Palmeiras confirm Barcelona interest in defender Yerry Mina

Palmeiras sporting director Alexandre Mattos has confirmed that Barcelona are interested in signing centre-back Yerry Mina and a deal could be agreed this month.

The 23-year-old, also linked with a switch to Manchester City in the past, is seen as a possible replacement for the soon-to-depart Javier Mascherano.

Following weeks of speculation, Mattos has revealed that contact has been made between the two clubs, but Palmeiras would rather keep hold of the Colombia international until the end of the season.

"It's true that Barcelona came for Mina with another offer but also that Palmeiras want Mina to stay here," he told reporters. "We are going to wait for him to arrive in Sao Paulo and we will talk.

"If Palmeiras is satisfied with any situation so that he leaves before, we will do it. Otherwise, he will stay with us."

Barca will reportedly pay a fee of around £10.7m to sign Mina - £1.7m of which will be in performance-related add-ons.