Porto are ready to join Inter Milan in the race to sign Barcelona striker Vitor Roque this summer.
This according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, via FCInterNews. The newspaper anticipate that there could be a swap deal on the cards involving Porto winger Pepe.
One thing that is looking more and more certain is that teenage striker Roque will leave Barcelona this summer.
The Brazilian may have only joined the Blaugranas in January. However, a rift has already developed behind the scenes.
This is the result of Roque receiving very limited playing time since his arrival at the Camp Nou.
The 19-year-old has started just twice for the Blaugranas. He has also come off the bench nine times.
Moreover, Barcelona coach Xavi has decided to stay on next season.
Therefore, it does not look particularly likely that Roque will suddenly become a first-choice starter next season.
As such, reports indicate that Barcelona are ready to offload the striker, despite the fact that they had paid €60 million to sign him.
Porto Join Inter In The Race To Sign Barcelona Striker Vitor Roque
Reports today indicated that Inter are one potential destination for Roque.
The Brazilian’s representatives made contact with the Nerazzurri. They made clear that the player would consider them as a potential destination.
Whilst Inter do not consider Roque their first choice in attack – that would still be Genoa’s Albert Gudmundsson – they do appreciate the offer from the Brazilian’s representatives.
Moreover, Roque could certainly be a major opportunity if he is to be available on loan.
However, Inter are not the only prospective destination for Roque.
A Bola report that Portuguese giants Porto also consider the 19-year-old to be a target.
And there could be a swap deal on the cards.
A Bola note that Barcelona coach Xavi is a big fan of versatile Porto winger Pepe.
However, the release clause in Pepe’s contract is for €75 million. And given Barcelona’s perilous financial situation, this would hardly be feasible for them.
However, Barcelona could attempt to set up an exchange of loans involving Pepe and Roque, reports A Bola.
And Porto may be amenable to an offer of this nature.