Barcelona set to open talks with Porto over complex Vitor Roque exchange deal | OneFootball

A major update on the future of Barcelona starlet Vitor Roque has come to the fore in the early hours of Tuesday.

The info comes courtesy of Portuguese outlet A Bola, and points towards Roque closing on an imminent departure from Catalunya’s capital.

Amid what has proven a difficult start to life for the 19-year-old since his January arrival at Barcelona, a whole host of clubs from across Europe are understood to have set their sights on Roque, with a view to the summer.

The Barca brass, meanwhile, are viewed as increasingly open to sanctioning a deal, be it either a season-long loan, or a permanent one in which they would recoup the majority of the fee splashed out on their struggling striker.

All of this taken into consideration, a move which could yet prove a fruitful one for all parties involved has been floated in the media.

As per the aforementioned A Bola, the transfer in question would see Roque make his way to Portuguese giants Porto.

Early contacts have already been initiated between the two clubs, with Barcelona, it is claimed, ‘offering’ up their winter addition.

And, in return, the Blaugrana could secure for themselves a long-desired left winger.

As part of a complex operation, it is suggested that Roque is being lined up to head in one direction, with Porto star Pepê moving in the other.

The all-action Pepê, in the midst of a fine campaign in Portugal, has been tipped in the media as a leading target to reinforce Barcelona’s frontline over the course of the last week.

Highly appreciated by the brass at the Camp Nou, the Brazilian would go a long way towards satisfying the calls of Barca headmaster Xavi for a new profile on the left wing.

All in, the deal in question would therefore see Roque join Porto on loan with an option to buy, with Pepê linking up with Xavi’s Blaugrana on a permanent deal, for a reduced fee.

Conor Laird | GSFN