Barcelona transfer news: Director travels to Brazil to watch defensive target Yerry Mina train for Palmeiras

BARCELONA’S technical director for football matters has travelled to Brazil to discuss terms over a deal to sign Yerry Mina, according to reports in Catalonia.

The Colombian centre-back was one of the stand-out performers for Palmeiras last season.

And Barca already have various pre-arrangements in place to sign him over the next three years.

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Should they decide to buy Mina now, it would cost them £7.8million.

In 2018, the price would increase to £8.7m and 12 months later to £13.8m.

 report Pep Segura has gone to Sao Paulo to personally watch the 22-year-old train.

Ultimately, it will be Roberto Fernandez — the No.1 technical director — who will make the final decision.

However, Segura will take advantage of the visit, to see his son who lives in Rio de Janeiro.

Barcelona are looking for long-term successors to Gerard Pique, 29, and Javier Mascherano, 32.

Samuel Umtiti is expected to play a big role at the club, but he has been underwhelming so far.

Measuring 6”3in., Mina is a powerful unit, capable of intimidating his opponents and dominant in the air.

He has an eye for goal as he demonstrated with a late equaliser for Colombia against Uruguay in their 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw back in October

Mina’s form was so impressive last season, he was the recipient of special privileges at Palmeiras.

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After that draw against Uruguay in Barranquilla, he was flown back in a private jet for the following weekend’s match against Figueirense.

He started his career at Deportivo Pasto, before moving to Santa Fe at the age of 19.

Mina then moved to Palmeiras in the summer of 2016 and scored an impressive four goals in his first seven matches for the Brazilian side last season.