Barcelona sporting director Deco reportedly flew to Portugal on Thursday afternoon to meet with Porto representatives, as Mikayil Faye closes in on a switch to the Blue and Whites.

Faye, 19, joined Barcelona from Croatian side NK Kustosija in June 2023, and he represented Barcelona B on 35 occasions during the 2023-24 campaign.

The centre-back was also on the bench for the first team on three occasions in La Liga last season, and the youngster had been tipped to join the first-team group for the 2024-25 campaign.

However, according to A Bola, Porto are nearing a deal for Faye, with the Portuguese club already coming to an agreement with the defender and his representatives over a five-year contract.

The report claims that Barcelona chief Deco headed to Porto on Thursday afternoon to discuss a deal for Faye, who is seemingly set to leave the Catalan giants in the near future.

Faye 'closing in on Porto move'

Porto are believed to be willing to pay around €15m (£12.7m) for Faye, but the structure of the payment could prove to be an issue.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Faye was one of five 'non-transferable' players at Barcelona, with Pau Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Gavi also on that list.

However, Hansi Flick's side need to make some sales this summer in order to boost their squad, and Faye could seemingly be the first player to leave in the current window.

Manchester United and Arsenal have both been credited with an interest in Faye, who scored on his debut for Senegal back in March.

Man United, Arsenal have been linked with Faye

However, it does not appear that either Premier League club are planning to make a move for him at this moment, with Porto seemingly firmly in the driving seat.

Back in April, Xavi, who was Barcelona boss at the time, said that Faye was "ready" to make his first-team debut.

"Yes, he is ready. Faye, [Marc] Casado and more players who can participate. But I see him ready to play for us," Xavi told reporters ahead of a La Liga clash with Cadiz.

However, Faye is now seemingly set to leave Barcelona without making a first-team appearance.

Inigo Martinez, Eric Garcia and Clement Lenglet are three more central defenders being linked with moves away from Camp Nou during the summer transfer window. body check tags ::