SPORTING LISBON are reportedly eyeing up Barcelona full-back Hector Bellerin as a replacement for Tottenham target Pedro Porro.
The former Arsenal man, 27, has started just five games for the Catalan giants since joining from Real Betis in the summer.
He has already been linked with a move to Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
But according to The Athletic, Sporting are now “exploring the possibility” of acquiring Bellerin if their wingback Porro leaves for Spurs.
Antonio Conte’s men are keen to get a £40milion deal over the line for the 23-year-old Spaniard, although no agreement has yet been reached.
Meanwhile, Bellerin is understood to be “open” to joining Sporting should such a deal materialise.
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His contract is set to expire with Barcelona in the summer.
Sporting have been linked with Brighton man Tariq Lamptey, 22, as a replacement for Porro.
But the Seagulls’ reluctance to let the Ghanaian international go has forced the Portuguese club to look elsewhere.
And while Sporting are keen on Bellerin, they are yet to contact Barcelona about a potential move.
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If Porro does leave, he will leave a big void to fill in the Sporting team.
His superb performances saw him receive a Spain cap in 2021.
And he has been sensational for Sporting so far this season, contributing three goals and 11 assists in 25 matches.
Two of his best displays came against Tottenham in the Champions League, before Sporting failed to qualify through the group.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
