Brighton set to hand £7.8m shock transfer blow to Newcastle United and Man City

Brighton and Hove Albion have moved a step closer to landing a reported Newcastle United, Manchester City and Chelsea transfer target.

The Seagulls have met a release clause in the contract of Boca Juniors' highly-rated left-back Valentin Barco and the Argentina Under-23 international is said to be heading to the south coast to undergo a medical and complete the formalities of the deal.

The 19-year-old is believed to have watched by Magpies recruitment staff in the recent past as they look to establish themselves as a major player in the race to land the latest up and coming talents from South America. However, it is a move to reigning Premier League and Champions League winners Man City that has been mooted in the media over a number of months and a possible deal was given the backing of club legend Sergio Aguero as he praised the youngster.

Speaking via his Twitch stream, the former Argentina legend said: “(Barco is a) very good player. Is he going to last a little longer at Boca or not? I don’t think he’ll last long. He’s very good. City will surely take him."

Although Barco is now on the brink of securing a move to the Premier League, he will not follow in Aguero's footsteps by joining Pep Guardiola's side. The talented left-back is rapidly closing in on completing a deal to join Brighton after the Seagulls triggered a £7.8m release clause in his current deal with Boca. Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed meetings took place earlier this week and a deal is expected to reach a conclusion 'in the next few days.

He posted on X (formerly Twitter) saying: "Brighton are closing in on Valentín Barco deal! Meeting with Boca taking place today, Brighton are set to trigger $10m release clause. The agreement will be finalised this week with all documents to be prepared in the next days. Here we go, coming soon."

Chelsea were also said to be keen on Barco after Ian Maatsen agreed to join Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund on loan for the rest of the season. The deal does not contain any clause over a possible permanent deal but the Blues are said to be open to allowing the Netherlands Under-21 star to end his time at Stamford Bridge.