Barcelona misfit informs club of desire to join La Liga outfit despite Portugal interest | OneFootball

With little over a week remaining before the transfer market slams to a shut, Barcelona are working ’round the clock to sanction the exit of unwanted stars.

One of the players strongly linked with a move away from Catalonia is Vitor Roque, who is not included in Hansi Flick’s project and could leave the club on a loan deal.

Roque has had no shortage of suitors either, but two clubs have emerged as likely candidates to sign the Brazilian forward – Real Betis and Sporting CP.

Vitor Roque wants to join Real Betis

Earlier this week, Real Betis’ officials arrived in Barcelona to discuss the future of Roque. Sporting CP weren’t far behind, with their sporting director also arriving in the city last evening.

But in a major boost for Real Betis, it appears Vitor Roque has informed Barcelona of his desire to move to Estadio Benito Vilamarin.

Vitor Roque wants to join Real Betis (Photo by JUAN PABLO PINO/AFP via Getty Images)

This is according to Mundo Deportivo, which further adds that Real Betis officials have stayed back in Barcelona, as they are hopeful of reaching an agreement.

Biggest hurdle for Real Betis

Although Real Betis are objectively better-positioned to sign Vitor Roque this summer, seeking an agreement with Barcelona could be much more difficult.

The Catalans are keen on securing a permanent exit for the attacking outcast, as they look to recoup the majority of the investment they had made in January.

Real Betis may need to pay as much as €30 million for Roque to woo Barcelona. But the Verdiblancos are more likely to propose a loan or buy parts of his transfer.

There is still time for both teams to reach an agreement before the transfer market closes. Barcelona is expected to make the last call, as far as the future of Roque is concerned.