Why Barcelona transfer chief Deco was at Porto vs Man United clash | OneFootball

Barcelona sporting director Deco was in attendance at the recent continental clash between Porto, and Manchester United.

That’s according to Relevo, who have revealed that the one-time midfielder’s presence in his home country came as part of a scouting mission.

The player in the sights of Deco and his team? Diogo Costa.

Amid an ongoing search for a long-term replacement for the sidelined Marc-André ter Stegen, Barcelona have earmarked Porto standout Costa as a leading target.

The 25-year-old, who actually endured a less-than-impressive outing on Thursday, is understood to boast all of the desired qualities being sought by the Camp Nou board – age, experience on the continent, and a starter at international level.

An offer for his services is in turn being taken into real consideration for the summer of 2025.

Any such operation, meanwhile, could also feature young midfielder Nico.

Barcelona maintain a buyback clause on 22-year-old Nico, who departed Catalunya’s capital for The Estádio do Dragão in the summer of 2023.

It is in turn suggested that ‘50% of the rights to Nico could be key to lower the price of the goalkeeper who has a market value of 45 million’.

Conor Laird – GSFN