Report: £18m man rejects AC Milan offer; West Ham willing to buy him

Barcelona defender Junior Firpo has rejected a move to Serie A leaders AC Milan with Gianluca di Marzio handing West Ham United a boost in their pursuit of the Camp Nou bench-warmer.

While Hammers fans may be feeling a tad underwhelmed by the potential arrival of a man who has played just 147 minutes of La Liga football this season, they should take a look at the last left-back who swapped Barcelona for England.

And if Firpo can emulate the stunning impact Lucas Digne has made at Everton, the Spain U21 international will only enhance a West Ham team enjoying their best start to a campaign since 1985/86.

Barcelona are willing to sell a man they signed from Real Betis for £18 million almost two years ago.

• Report: West Ham willing to buy £18m man, but can't guarantee him game-time
• 'Realistically, we're done': Milan open door for West Ham to sign £18m man

And, according to reports coming out of Italy, Firpo has opened the door to a potential move to the London Stadium by giving AC Milan the cold shoulder.

Perhaps after failing to oust Jordi Alba in Ronald Koeman’s starting XI he was concerned history would repeat itself at a Milan side already boasting the burgeoning talents of Theo Hernandez.

Short-term loan deals have been the order of the day this month but, according to ESPN, West Ham were willing to buy Firpo outright.

However, after another fine performance by the rejuvenated Aaron Cresswell in Tuesday’s 2-1 triumph over West Brom, Firpo wouldn’t be guaranteed game time in England either.

In other news, Report: Agent discussing Thomas Strakosha swap deal involving Fabian Balbuena