Barcelona sporting director Deco has given his blessing for the club to move ahead with an approach for Porto head coach Sérgio Conceição.
That’s according to Catalunya Radio (as cited by A Bola), who have on Sunday provided an insight into developments behind the scenes in the Barcelona boardroom.
It is of course common knowledge across the continent that Barca are currently on the lookout for a new manager.
This comes after Xavi Hernández last weekend announced his intention to step down from his post upon the conclusion of the campaign.
A whole host of high-profile names, in turn, have been tipped to replace the ex-Blaugrana midfielder in Catalunya, from Thomas Tuchel to Hansi Flick and even departing Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp.
As alluded to above, though, if the latest word stemming from the media is anything to go by, it is yet another tactician whom Joan Laporta and his team have this weekend turned attentions towards.
As per the aforementioned Catalunya Radio, Sérgio Conceição has been placed atop Barcelona’s managerial shortlist.
Sporting director Deco is understood to have given the green light for negotiations to be opened with the Porto boss, over taking up the reins at the club this summer.
Conceição, for his part, is due to see his terms at The Estádio do Dragão expire upon the close of the campaign, with the widespread expectation that he will in turn move on.
With super agent Jorge Mendes, who maintains an excellent relationship with all at Barcelona, representing the Portuguese, too, talks between the parties could quickly culminate in an agreement being found.
Conor Laird | GSFN
