Hector Bellerin set to sign for Sporting Lisbon | OneFootball

Barcelona defender Hector Bellerin is close to completing a move to Sporting Lisbon, according to the Evening Standard.

Bellerin spent last season on loan at Real Betis, contributing five assists in 32 appearances across all competitions.

He also helped Los Verdiblancos win the Copa del Rey trophy for the first time since 2005 while also finishing fifth in the league.

However, his exploits at the Benito Villamarín Stadium was not enough to earn a place in Mikel Arteta’s squad as the Arsenal manager did not see the defender as part of his long-term plans.

Betis were keen on re-signing the 27-year-old, but Bellerin chose to instead complete a lifelong dream by signing for the Catalan giants.

Having only arrived at the Spotify Camp Nou on a free transfer from Arsenal last summer, Bellerin has struggled to get going in Xavi Hernandez’s side.

He has only managed seven appearances across all competitions, with most of his time with the Blaugranas spent on the bench.

Xavi has preferred using centre-back Jules Kounde at right back, with Ronald Araujo and Sergi Roberto also ahead of Bellerin in the pecking order.

With the former Arsenal man now surplus to requirements, he is close to completing a loan move to Sporting, who are in the market for Pedro Porro’s replacement.

Porro is also on the verge of completing a move to Tottenham Hotspur and said his goodbyes to the Sporting fans after their 2-0 defeat to Porto in the Taca de Liga final.

The 23-year-old will sign a four-and-a-half-year deal with the north Londoners after impressing with Sporting this term, recording three goals and 11 assists in 26 games.

Porro’s arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will also allow the Spurs to send summer signing Djed Spence out on loan.