Rafinha and Miranda could be used in 'Operation Junior'
Real Betis are keen on the two Barcelona players
Barcelona could kill two birds with one stone as they line up a move for Real Betis left-back Junior. The defender's release clause is 60 million euros but Betis could be prepared to drop to 35 million.
The good news for Barça is they could reduce that figure by including two players in the deal. With Llorença Serra Ferrer in charge of planning at Betis, they are keen on several players currently at Camp Nou.
The two who interest them the most are Rafinha and Juan Miranda (the Barça B left-back who in theory would replace Junior in Sevilla). To a lesser extent, they also like Denis Suarez, although he's more likely to reunite with former coach Marcelino at Valencia.
Rafinha and Miranda could move to Betis, though. The former was close to a move south last summer.
LOAN OR TRANSFER
Barça could loan Betis Rafinha and Miranda to obtain an important reduction in their move for Junior. Serra Ferrer is in contact with Barça and has been for a couple of weeks to talk about Rafinha and Miranda. The answer from the Catalans was more than positive as they look to move them both on.
In theory, on loan, but Barça would prefer a sale with a buyback option. Both players have had tough seasons: the Brazilian's suffered injury problems and the latter has not been able to break into Ernesto Valverde's plans despite getting the odd chance.
There's a good relationship between Barça and Betis, which could help negotiations. In fact, both clubs were involved in the deal which brought Brazilian Emerson to Europe in January. He will remain at Betis until 2021 before potentially joining Barça.
Real Madrid had also been linked with Junior but they would prefer a move for Lyon's Ferland Mendy. The French left-back could move to the Bernabeu for around 30 million euros.
