Fabrizio Romano debunks rumours linking 24-year-old Portuguese defender to Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona secured an exit for captain Ronald Araujo this summer, with the Uruguayan defender leaving on loan to join Liverpool.

Araujo had endured a difficult couple of seasons at Barça, and a move to Merseyside might be exactly what he needs to get his career back on track.

What this did was create a vacant berth at the Catalan club for a new central defender to come in and occupy.

While Alvaro Cortes, the academy defender, could be trusted with the step up, it looks like Barça are also attentive in the market for a potential opportunity.

One player Barça have been linked with in recent days is Goncalo Inacio, the Portuguese defender who plays for Sporting CP.

Barcelona not pursuing Inacio

Inacio is not an option for Barcelona. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Now, according to reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, there are currently no negotiations between Barça and the 24-year-old, with the Catalan club denying that an operation is underway.

Romano was emphatic when addressing the speculation, saying there are “zero” ongoing links between Barcelona and Inacio.

That is significant because Barcelona have still been associated with the possibility of adding another centre-back before the transfer window closes.

Inacio, however, should not be considered one of the active options at this stage.

Flick and the board are not convinced

Romano added that the situation is similar to the previous links with Cristian Romero.

Barcelona did not move for the Argentine because Flick did not want to proceed with the operation, and the same appears to apply to Inacio.

The coach and the sporting department are aligned in not pursuing the Sporting defender, and a move would be highly unlikely.

Inacio may have established himself as a reliable central defender in Portugal, but it is a whole other ball game to translate that to Barcelona’s level.

The market is not closed

Inacio is a left-footed centre-back. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Not pursuing a move for Inacio does not mean Barcelona’s interest in defenders is non-existent.

With around a week to go until deadline day, the Catalan club are keen on looking at potential reinforcements in the market.

Alejandro Balde is yet another name who could be on the exit ramp, and the Spaniard’s exit would also leave Barça needing a new left-back.

Deco could be in the market to look at players who can cover both positions: a left-footed central defender with left-back experience.

Barça have important transfer business to complete in the upcoming days, and it remains to be seen who the club go for.