Barcelona president Joan Laporta travelled to Porto yesterday with Director of Football Mateu Alemany to meet with agent Jorge Mendes, according to journalist Gerard Romero. Several issues were on the table, starting with the renewal of Alejandro Balde, which already appears to be on track.
Mundo Deportivo report that they discussed the futures of Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo, Marco Asensio and Ruben Neves.
Balde was the first name on the table and progress continues to be made for the renewal of the left-back, who has already become the first choice on the left flank for Xavi. Some details have yet to be finalised, but negotiations are in the final stages and the club are optimistic that an agreement to keep him at Camp Nou long-term will be reached.
There was also talk of Ansu Fati, who has a contract until 2027 but has not had a regular starting place after his serious injuries. Mendes has reportedly offered the player to four Premier League clubs: Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle.
Fati doesn’t want to leave Barça because his dream is still to succeed at the club, however, with Ousmane Dembélé and Robert Lewandowski in front of him, his future is even more uncertain.
Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva were also discussed. Mendes wants to know if Barça are interested in the Manchester City full-back, currently on loan at Bayern. Barça have always liked him and the Portuguese player was offered last January but it was not possible to reach an agreement. He has a contract until 2027.
In the case of Bernardo Silva, he is the player Xavi wants to bring in to improve his midfield but the issue is that he won’t come on the cheap, both in terms of salary and price, given that he is an important player for City. Pep Guardiola told him that if he wanted to leave and a good offer came in for him, he would consider it. He has a contract until 2025.
Jorge Mendes also represents Marco Asensio and Ruben Neves, who have also been linked with Barça, although they are not the main targets.
Kieran Quaile | GSFN
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