Porto coach Sergio Conceicao denies freezing out Mehdi Taremi over his Inter Milan commitment.

The Iran striker will join Inter in a Bosman transfer this summer and has been missing from Conceicao’s line-up in in recent games.

“Taremi is an option, he will probably play the next one,” said Conceicao after their win over Vitoria.

“His situation depends on his physical state, on how he returned from the international break, and his work in training. I’m paying attention to all of it.”

“I have seen and read that Taremi has undergone medical tests with other clubs and that I am saddened by the situation.

“But that’s not true. I’m not sad for anyone. He has a contract until June and I’ll be counting on him till then. This has been the same for all the players who left during my seven years at the club.

“There’s no controversy. It’s a question of form, quality and hard work. He will have his opportunities until the end of the season.

“I believe he will play, because he is a player of extreme quality and can help us.”