Real Betis and Barcelona close to joint signing of Emerson Transfer Market Full-back plays for Atletico Mineiro

Young Brazilian full-back Emerson Aparecido Leite De Souza Junior is close to signing for Real Betis, in a joint signing with Barcelona.

Better known as Emerson, the 20-year-old who plies his trade with Atletico Mineiro would join as a backup to Diego Lainez for Quique Setien's side this January.

Emerson is to be part of a move which would see Barcelona pay a part of the transfer, reserving a percentage of the player's rights and first-option of acquisition in the future.

The operation, which has been in the works for several months, is believed to be in its final stages.

The player is currently representing Brazil at the 2019 South American U20 Championship and would link up with his Betis teammates upon his country's elimination.