Catalan daily Sport understands that Barcelona have joined the race to sign midfielder Joao Moutinho from Porto.
The highly rated midfielder has been linked with Manchester United and Tottenham following some scintillating showings at the Euro 2012, but it appears Barcelona have moved to the front of the queue.
Catalan newspaper Sport claims that the La Liga giants want to sign the 25-year-old as a replacement for Seydou Keita.
The Catalans initially tried to sign Javi Martinez from Athletic Bilbao but decided to turn their attention to Moutinho after being informed the Spaniard would cost €40 million.
The Portuguese international caught the attention of Barcelona scouts during his time at Sporting Lisbon and the Camp Nou outfit have now reignited their interest in the experienced midfielder.
According to the source, Moutinho can be purchased for around €18 million, which is well within Barcelona’s price range, just like the player’s salary of €1.5 million per campaign.
The Portuguese footballer, who scored 3 goals in 29 league games for Porto last season, is a highly skilled player and he would fit perfectly into Barca’s style of play.
Subject: Barcelona readying bid for Moutinho 
Tue Jul 31, 2012 10:36 am