Deco Future Remains In Doubt

The Portuguese players recent performances have not impressed Frank Rijkaard and the player's announcement that he will leave unless he plays regularly has not endeared him to the board.

After returning from injury before Christmas, Deco was given the benefit of the doubt as he was still finding his rhythm only for his tepid display against Real Madrid to cause frustration.

Catalan daily Sport believe that the midfielder may be used less and less in the title run-in with the coaching staff preferring other options in the centre.

Deco was allegedly told to raise his game last season by the club, but little changed and his public outbursts and displays this year have not improved matters.

After claiming that he could leave, the 30-year-old stated that he would like to se José Mourinho at Barça and then say that he would not mind joining Manchester United.

Normally, reports such as this could be seen as rumourmongering, but given the links that Sport have with the Blaugrana it appears an unusual story to run without any basis.

When Barcelona were heading towards the leageu title and the Champions League in 2006, Deco was an instrumental part of the side and the club considered him to be untransferible.