Sporting locked in three-way tussle for Barcelona youngster Andrés Cuenca

Sporting de Gijón are working on a complex deal to bring Barcelona’s young central defender Andrés Cuenca to El Molinón, with three clubs and the player himself all involved in negotiations.

Three’s a crowd in Cuenca chase

Sporting’s executive president José Riestra has lifted the lid on the club’s transfer plans, confirming they’re “studying how to achieve” the signing of Andrés Cuenca from Barcelona. The talented defender is also in talks with Italian side Como, making this a proper three-way dance for his signature.

Riestra didn’t beat around the bush about their intentions: “We want the signing to happen as soon as possible and we’re analyzing the best way forward for all parties involved - both the three clubs and the footballer himself.”

The Sporting boss is clearly desperate to bolster his defensive options before the transfer window slams shut, with Cuenca identified as their prime target. He’s having regular meetings with manager Borja Jiménez to assess their needs, with a new defender top of the shopping list.

Building for promotion

Any new defensive addition would be their third signing of the window, following the arrivals of Oliván and Ferrari. Riestra emphasized that whoever comes in must have “the willingness to contribute to the team” just like their previous January recruits.

The Asturian club are absolutely buzzing at the moment, having just broken their season ticket record with a stonking 24,000 abonados. That’s proper support, that is.

Sporting’s promotion push is gathering serious momentum, with Riestra bullish about their chances: “I don’t just believe we can fight for promotion, I’m convinced of it, especially since settling in at Mareo.”

With the club sitting pretty near the top of Segunda División and ambitious moves in the transfer market, the Rojiblancos faithful have every reason to dream of a return to the big time.