FC Porto in advanced talks to sign €10 million-rated Barcelona youngster – Romano

Barcelona will be flying to the United States of America tomorrow for their pre-season camp and it appears that the Catalans are keen to resolve the future of Nico Gonzalez before the trip.

The 21-year-old midfielder is back at the club after his loan spell at Valencia and has been told by manager Xavi Hernandez that he will not have a prominent role in the team. As such, the La Masia ace has been advised to leave the club, with offers of loan or a sale with repurchase option being considered.

Now, Fabrizio Romano has come up with an update on Nico’s future, stating that FC Porto appear to be the most concrete option for the midfielder.

Reports of the Portuguese giants being frontrunners to sign the 21-year-old have been doing the rounds for some time now. And now, Romano, too, has confirmed that Porto, indeed, are the best-placed team to secure his signature.

As per the Italian transfer expert, talks are already at an advanced stage between the clubs as well as on the player’s side to finalise the move.

The update from Romano, however, does not clarify whether Porto wish to sign Nico on loan or permanently, although previous reports have suggested that it would likely be a temporary arrangement.

Nico, whose market value stands at €10 million, is held in high regard within Barcelona, but Xavi is of the opinion that the youngster still needs more maturity and experience.

Furthermore, there is simply no space for the 21-year-old to play regularly given the competition for places. As such, another temporary move makes sense for the Spanish ace. Joining Porto, where he will get to play Champions League football, will certainly help him a great deal.

What now remains to be seen is whether the deal can be done before Barcelona fly off to the US tomorrow.

Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.