FC Porto to bolster squad with Argentine Fernando Belluschi

“Porto players non-negotiable!” barks Pinto da Costa

News is rife that FC Porto have tabled an offer for River Plate ace, Fernando Belluschi. The 24-year-old Argentine appears to be the next high profile player from that country to join the merry band of blue and white shirts.

Club president, Pinto da Costa, has vehemently denied any attempt that Porto are trying to sign Belluschi.

“At the moment we are not in contact with anyone. Belluschi is being talked about but we are not interested in this player, or any other. What I can say is that we are looking at various players for the following season,” said Pinto da Costa.

But reports coming out of Argentina contradict the president’s statements as Belluschi’s agent, Alberto Meo, has claimed that Porto have made an offer to buy the player during the winter transfer market.

Meo did not divulge how much the Portuguese side were willing to pay, but it is thought that Porto are offering over seven million euros for 100% ownership of the player’s sporting rights.

If the rumours are true, then Belluschi will become the sixth Argentine in the squad, joining Lucho Gonzalez, Lisandro Lopez, Mario Bolatti, Mariano Gonzalez and Ernesto Farias.

Tarik bought outright

In other team news, the Dragons have announced they have exercised their option on forward Tarik Sektioui. The Moroccan has impressed since returning from a loan deal at RKC Waalwijk, notching four goals in all competitions for Porto this season.

Pinto da Costa also attempted to quell speculation surrounding the possible sale of star players Lucho Gonzalez and Ricardo Quaresma, firmly stating “I will not allow anyone to leave in the winter transfer market. If an offer arrives at the club, I will not even look at it. The players are non-negotiable.

“Even if an incredible offer comes along, we want to maintain our players. We want to build a strong team and maintain the level they have reached.”