Milan move forward with Junior Firpo interest as Barça consider loan

AC Milan's interest in Junior Firpo has increased this week. The Italian side want an alternative to Theo Hernandez at left-back and want to sign the Barcelona player as soon as possible.

Gazzetta dello Sport report on Sunday that negotiations are advancing and that Milan hope to sign off a loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.

SPORT have learned that the former Real Betis defender is attracted by the idea of joining Milan. Much more than the idea of playing in the Premier League.

The problem is that Milan and Barça are not on the same page. Barça want a transfer now -- or the buy option to be obligatory, or at least dependent on games played.

Milan, meanwhile, maintain that they will only sign Junior on loan with an option, not a commitment, to sign him permanently next summer.

One thing is clear: one of the clubs will have to compromise and it could be Barça who end up doing so in an effort to get the deal done.

Barça need to move on a number of players this summer and the departure of Junior, even if only on loan, could be the first.

Negotiations continue and, while nothing is signed, there's optimism in Junior's camp.

However, it's going to be difficult for Barça to get back the 20 million euros they invested in the former Spain U21 international when they signed him from Betis two years ago.