Barcelona deny reports of move for Robinho
Barcelona have moved quickly to deny reports that they are set to make a move for Manchester City striker Robinho.
Spanish radio station Cadena SER claimed that the Catalan giants have been attempting to offload Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic – who joined the club only last summer – with the Brazilian striker lined up as his replacement. Ibra’s departure was regarded as unlikely, however, due to his huge wage demands, reported to be around 12 million euros per year.
It was suggested that a bid of around 20 million euros would be enough to entice the English Premier League club to allow Robinho to leave, but any move would have hinged on Ibra’s departure – with his most likely destination appearing to be mega-rich City.
Barca, however, have expressly denied that any such move is in the offing. They have already shelled out 40 million euros to secure the services of 2010 FIFA World Cup winner David Villa from Valencia and may be reluctant to make any more changes to their attacking options.
Guardiola 'happy with youth prospects;
Barca’s sporting vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu said to Sport that: “We have had several months of looking at players, but none have been preferred by (coach Pep) Guardiola to (Barcelona’s) youth football players, a decision with which the club is delighted. This is not to say that at the close of the market we will not sign anyone if there is a good option.”
Although Barca are keen to sell Ibra to City, Bartomeu said that such a move was not impossible. He said that: “To sign ‘Ibra’, they would have to put money on the table, an option City have not managed so far.”
Meanwhile, Villa has revealed he is relishing the prospect of teaming up with Ibra this season despite reports suggesting that Villa would play as the lone striker for Barca this season. AS quoted the Spain international as saying that: "I am compatible with Ibrahimovic. Totally. In football there is nothing incompatible and less so with such quality players like him. I know we have a great squad and the quality to win (all competitions)."
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