FC Porto face competition from Leeds United to sign PSV Eindhoven’s Mauro Júnior this summer.
Mauro joined the Eredivisie winners from Desportivo Brasil in 2017 and has been with the first team since 2019.
Operating mainly as a left-back and at times as a defensive midfielder, he managed a goal and 11 assists from 37 matches this season.
The left-back’s performances would have seen several clubs, including Leeds United and Porto, take notice.
Leeds United already made contact
Voetbal International have a report on both the Whites and FC Porto’s interest and PSV Eindhoven’s plans to block his summer exit.
The Brazilian, who won the Eredivisie four times, has become a fan favourite at the Philips Stadion. His time there could come to an end as Daniel Farke’s side and others are in the picture.
He has a release clause with a ‘limited transfer fee’, without VI mentioning the figure. FC Porto and Leeds United are aware of this.
The Premier League side are ‘already actively enquired’ about the versatile player with his representatives. They will have to overcome the Dragons and other clubs to bring the 27-year-old to Elland Road.
PSV won’t be able to stop the South American’s exit if any of his suitors trigger his clause. To avoid this possibility, the Eindhoven club want to offer him a new contract and remove the clause. It’s unclear what Mauro Júnior’s plans are for his future.
Porto can tempt with European football
Both FC Porto and PSV Eindhoven qualified for the Champions League after winning their respective league titles.
The Dragons can use this to tempt the fullback to pick them over the English club, who can’t offer European football after finishing 14th.
Daniel Farke had Gabriel Gudmundsson and Sam Byram as the two left-backs this season. The latter’s contract expires in June.
Leeds United sent Isaac Schmidt on loan to Werder Bremen, who decide against making his stay permanent. The English club have to decide whether to offload him or keep him as Gudmundsson’s back up next season.
If Schmidt were to leave, Mauro Júnior can be an option to replace him. Transfermarkt value the Brazilian, with a contract until 2029, at €18m.