Atletico Madrid have a deal in place to sign Porto captain Hector Herrera but they may be frustrated by bureaucracy, report Diario AS.
Herrera joined the Portuguese champions from Pachuca in 2013 for €11m but has less than two months remaining on his contract at the Estadio Dragao.
Italian club Inter have also been linked to the Mexican international while Real Madrid were said to be interested in a deal when Julen Lopetegui – who coached him at Porto – was boss earlier this season.
Earlier this year, AS cited a report from Portuguese outlet O Jogo that Inter had given up hope of signing the central midfielder, reportedly due to their belief he has already agreed terms with Atleti.
These fresh reports verify the claims once more but state that the central midfielder has not gained Portuguese residence as yet because he is a few months shy of the six-year period.
This means he does not yet qualify for EU citizenship and would take up an extra spot in Diego Simeone’s squad – only three places are allowed.
The reports finalises that all parties are attempting to come to a solution so that the deal can be processed.
