14 June 2007, by Sean Gillen

Barcelona and Real Madrid vie for Andrade’s signature

Portugal centre-back set to play last match for La Coruna

The future of Portuguese defender Jorge Andrade is still unclear, with reports in Spain claiming that the defender is still at the centre of a tug of war between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Andrade is certain to leave Deportivo La Coruna this summer, after five years at the Riazor. Indeed, it was only a serious knee injury suffered last spring that prevented the 29-year-old from moving ahead of this season.

Spain’s big two have been following Andrade for several months, and the Madrid press have speculated in recent days that the former Porto man was due to undertake a medical at the Bernabeu next week prior to signing with the club.

However, contradictory reports in the Catalan media claim that Andrade would prefer to link up with international colleague Deco at Barca, while the defender is believed to have been house hunting in the area.

Although Barca are offering 12 million euros for Andrade’s signature, Depor president Caesar Lendoiro is thought to prefer Madrid’s bid, which includes the option of several young players in a part-exchange deal.

Perhaps an advantage for Barca is the fact that Andrade’s agent, Jorge Mendes, who also represents Deco as well as Los Cules midfielder Thiago Motta, has an excellent working relationship with officials at the Nou Camp.

Andrade is set to play his last game for Depor against Espanyol on Sunday.


Related: Jorge Andrade PortuGOAL profile