OVERMARS LINKED TO BARCA - AGAIN

The 26-year-old winger has been constantly rumoured to be on his way to the Catalan giants, although the player insisted last Wednesday that he will not leave The Gunners at the end of the season.

The story, which on this occasion emanated from the El Mundo Deportivo newspaper, claims that the club have agreed "contractual and economic conditions" with the player, but as he is not available on a Bosman Ruling free transfer this would seem unlikely.

It is well known that Louis van Gaal would like to sign Overmars in the summer, and make him the tenth Dutch player at the Nou Camp, to fill the void left by Rivaldo`s probable departure from Barcelona.

However, a deal is far from being signed and sealed as Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will be extremely reluctant to let his flying winger leave Highbury.

Ciaran Baynes