Manchester United target Vitor Roque could head to FC Porto in swap deal for Pepê | OneFootball

The noise around Rasmus Hojlund has reached a fever pitch recently, with the Dane undergoing another barren spell in front of goal.

From reports of teammates not trusting him enough, to some shocking stats displaying how he has been dealt an unwinnable hand at Manchester United, his dream move has been something of a nightmare.

No wonder then that United are looking at further striking reinforcements in the summer window.

Barcelona’s Brazilian prodigy Vitor Roque has been mentioned as one of the names near the top of the list.

Of course, the last time United tried to get someone from Barcelona, it didn’t end too well, as Frenkie de Jong’s transfer saga (still ongoing) gave fans nightmares during Erik ten Hag’s first summer at the helm.

The chase for Roque could take the same path as a recent report by Fichajes, via Portuguese newspaper A Bola states that Barcelona has something else in store for the player.

The report says Roque could be used as a makeweight in Barcelona’s deal for Porto’s winger Pepê, who has a release clause of about €70 million.

The Catalans are unable to pay that due to financial worries so sending Roque the other way will soften the financial blow while landing them their desired target.

If Barcelona are interested in Pepê, then there is not much United can do to sweeten the deal for them as they don’t have many players to send the other way.

Furthermore, Barcelona paid €30 million for Roque, with further add-ons taking it up to potentially €61 million.

It is extremely unlikely that United get anywhere near that sum for a player who hasn’t kicked on since arriving from Brazil, let alone a teenager.

Therefore, it might be best for United to let Barcelona and Porto do this deal as it is a unique one where it’s mutually beneficial for both sides and even United as long as they don’t get involved.

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