Reports in Spain have claimed former Barcelona President Joan Laporta met with Jorge Mendes, agent of Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
AS cite a story by El Larguero which says Laporta and Mendes had lunch on Thursday and Laporta, who is reported to be considering an attempt to regain the Barca Presidency, asked about Ronaldo’s release clause.
Mendes replied it would be impossible for Barca to trigger the clause.
AS add that a recent survey suggests Laporta is currently the favourite in a potential election.
Laporta received 33.8% of the vote to incumbent Josep Maria Bartomeu’s 17.9%. A third candidate, Augusti Benedito, received 23.9% of support, with 23.4% undecided.
Marca reports regarding Mendes and Laporta that Laporta has gone from hinting at his candidacy to outright campaigning and that was the reason for meeting with Mendes.
The publication claims the meeting was Wednesday and Fernando Llorente and his agent were also present, although that was more of a coincidence than anything else and the Juventus striker didn’t join Mendes and Laporta for long.
Mendes gave Laporta an update on the transfer situation in world football as Laporta looks to reacquaint himself with the business side of the game after four years on the sidelines.
Barca elections aren’t scheduled until 2016 despite calls from Laporta for Bartomeu to call an early vote to legitimise his Presidency. Bartomeu assumed office earlier this year when Sandro Rosell stepped down.
Marca agree that Laporta is currently the favourite to win an election, according to recent surveys.
