Barcelona’s Director of Football, Robert Fernandez, spent much of the International break scouting Porto midfielder Danilo Pereira, according to the ?Daily Express. 

The 26-year-old Portuguese midfielder has widely impressed since his move from Portuguese minnows C.S. Maritimo to Porto in 2015. The Portuguese international was heavily linked with both PSG and Manchester City throughout the summer, but no deal came to fruition.

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His latest contract with the Portuguese giants purportedly contains a £55m release clause; implausibly a steal in the current market, especially taking into consideration his impressive performances for club and country this campaign.

Sporting CP v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League

The Barcelona hierarchy see the midfielder as the ideal replacement for the ‘on the wane’ Sergio Busquets. Busquets, arguably one of the most underrated players of his generation and still only 29, has admittedly been uncharacteristically sluggish in the early months of the season.

In addition, the Catalan side are currently increasingly shallow in the centre of midfield – and with Andre Gomes ?seemingly closer to the exit door then reinforcements are needed.

Ernesto Valverde’s side may still face a battle with PSG, City and (surprise, surprise) Arsenal in the coming months for Pereira’s signature, but desperation within the Barcelona ranks for a revamp of the present ageing side may propel them to pole position.

In addition, it is also reported that Fernandez was keeping tabs on AC Milan forward Andre Silva and young Sporting Lisbon flyer Gelson Martins, when he oversaw Portugal’s win over Andorra.


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