The battle is on to sign Mehdi Taremi

Mehdi Taremi was one of the stars of the Primeira Liga last season, and it is no surprise that his future continues to be the source of significant intrigue.

The Iranian international striker scored 21 goals last campaign in 37 appearances, and is fully expected to leave Rio Ave this summer. His destination, however, is more uncertain, though there is one club leading the battle to secure his signature.

That club is reigning Portuguese champions FC Porto, who have identified the striker as the one of their major summer targets.

They have already recruited other players from the Portuguese Primeira Liga, such as Carraca and Claudio Ramos, and Taremi would fit the bill in terms of the type of player Porto are looking for, with proven quality in the Portuguese league.

However, they face competition to complete the signing of the 28-year old, with Ruben Amorim’s Sporting CP also entering the race for the clinical striker - and are even willing to pay him double the wages that Porto were offering.

Taremi is understood to prioritise the club and the project above financial incentives, and the opportunity to play in the UEFA Champions League is of considerable interest to the Iranian, but such a significant wage proposal could well sway Taremi’s decision.

Mehdi Taremi. Photo author: Mehdi Bolourian. License link.