BARCA CLOSING IN ON BUFFON

The Catalan side have been in need of a new keeper for some time, Richard Dutruel and Francesc Arnau failing to impress and also being out injured for some time.

Youngster Manuel Reina has impressed in his short reign in the Barca goal, but unlike arch-rivals Real Madrid, the Catalans are not going to entrust their goalkeeping duties to a teenager.

Buffon's agent Silvano Martina met members of the Barca board last Sunday to open negotiations on his transfer.

Speaking to Onda Catalana, Martina said: "From the meeting, we can say that Buffon is Barcelona's first option, they have a very strong interest.

"Buffon likes Barcelona very much, although there are other interested teams, but it all depends on Parma.

"It won't be easy for Parma to let Buffon leave, because if they want to win the Italian league they will want to have him, he's a great goalkeeper."

Martina believes the Parma board will give their decision on Buffon soon, but did not give a definite date.