Barcelona, Real Madrid make ‘exploratory’ contacts over the possible signing of €45m defender | OneFootball

Barcelona and Real Madrid are among the clubs interested in signing Sporting CP right-back Pedro Porro and have made ‘exploratory’ contacts to assess what it might take to land the defender, claim reports in Portugal, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo.

Porro is a former Manchester City prospect but never made a senior appearance for the Premier League champions. After a loan spell at Real Valladolid in 2019, he joined Sporting on a two-year temporary stint in the summer of 2020.

During his time in Portugal, Porro made a big impression, prompting Sporting to sign him up on a permanent deal this past summer in a deal worth €8.5 million. Since then he has continued his strong run of form, having assisted seven goals in 17 matches.

Porro’s performances have seemingly not gone unnoticed as the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid have taken note of the 23-year-old’s displays.

It is no secret that Barça are in the market for a new right-sided full-back after Hector Bellerin’s signing has failed to click.

With Sergi Roberto’s contract expiring in the summer, the Blaugrana are keen on addressing the right-back position once and for all with a top signing.

Many names like Diogo Dalot, Juan Foyth and Thomas Meunier have been linked but now Porro is also being mentioned as a target. So much so that the report claims there have been some contact with his entourage to check the feasibility of a move.

Furthermore, it is also reported that the 23-year-old’s entourage intend to speak with Sporting to discuss a possible sale in January amidst the rising interest.

However, Porro will not be a cheap acquisition considering that he has a contract with the Portuguese outfit until 2025 and contains a release clause worth €45 million. Given Barcelona’s financial situation, it would be hard for the club to pull off such a move in January.