Barca join race for Hulk

Barcelona are reportedly planning a bid for Porto’s Brazilian striker Hulk at the end of the season.

The Brazil international joined Porto from Japanese side Tokyo Verdy in 2008 and has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe through his performances for the Europa League champions.

Chelsea have been mooted as potential suitors, but La Gazzetta dello Sport claims Barca coach Pep Guardiola is keen to take to the powerful striker to Camp Nou.

Guardiola has yet to commit his future to the Catalan side beyond the end of this season, when his contract expires, but it is reported he has told the club’s hierarchy he will sign a new deal if Hulk is recruited.

The 25-year-old attacker, who has scored 12 goals in 24 competitive appearances this season, has a 100 million-euro release clause attached to his contract, which expires in 2016.

He has refused to rule out a move away from Porto, but the striker’s agent has guaranteed Hulk will not force his exit from the Estadio do Dragao.