Spain

Barcelona Tempt Porto With Henrique In Bruno Alves Bid - Report

Having just returned to the club from a loan spell, the Brazilian stopper could be used as bait as Barca try to bolster their back line...

Jun 28, 2009 7:32:21 AM

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Bruno Alves - Oporto (Firo)

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Barcelona have stepped up their push to sign Bruno Alves from Porto.

According to Sport, the Blaugrana are preparing to enter into negotiations with the Portuguese club, having decided on Alves as their primary defensive target.

Indeed, they are prepared to offer Henrique, who spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, in part exchange. However, this is by no means a certainty, as Pep Guardiola is keen to give the player, whom Barca signed for €8 million from Palmeiras last summer, a chance to impress in pre-season.

Alves' father recently stated that were the clubs to agree a deal, his son would not hesitate to join the Blaugrana, leading many to believe there had already been initial contact between the parties. Porto, however, have stated that they have not received any offers.

Should the deal go through, Alves is expected to sign for five seasons. Henrique, meanwhile, would be an attractive option for Porto, as they tried to sign him a year ago before losing out to Barca.

Arjun Miglani, Goal.com