Real Betis defender Junior Firpo has said that he feels "closer to Real Madrid" as his father supports the club.

Junior only made his first-team debut for Betis in February but has already scored five times in 32 appearances for the Spanish outfit in all competitions.

This season, the 22-year-old has scored three times in 18 appearances in all competitions, and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is believed to be an admirer.

Madrid have been strongly linked with a move for the defender in recent days, and Firpo has revealed his affection for the European champions.

"I'm closer to Real Madrid as my father is a Madridista," Junior told Cuatro. "We watched them on TV when we first arrived in Spain and for that reason I've always felt stronger about them."

Firpo is believed to have a £45m buy-out clause in his current Betis contract.