Sacha Tavolieri is reporting that Antwerp are set to join the race to sign Boca Juniors defender Valentin Barco. With the departure of Gaston Avila to Ajax imminent, Antwerp are looking for a replacement. Oilvier Deman of Cercle Brugge has also been linked, but Antwerp are also eyeing up Barco. However, they will be competing with the likes of Manchester City and Brighton for his signature. According to Tavolieri, the 19-year-old left-back has a release clause of €10m. Given that they are set to receive around €12m for Avila, the club could certainly afford to trigger the clause.
The U20 Argentine international Barco has played 20 games for the side, scoring once and providing two assists. Barco can also operate further forward as a left-winger when required. He certainly fits the bill of what Antwerp are looking for in a full-back, with both right and left sided players encouraged to get forward and support the wingers.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
