PETIT LINKED WITH MONACO SWAP DEAL

Barcelona are keen to capture some of their summer targets early, and have been in talks with representatives of both Christanval, and Fiorentina goalkeeper Francesco Toldo.

The Spaniards are looking to strengthen their defence, and are willing to offer Petit as part of a deal for the 22-year-old defender.

The French midfielder has struggled to gain a place in the team at Camp Nou, and is considering a move back to France with the Principality side.

Fiorentina director Giovanni Galli has said that Toldo is likely to move on to look for a new challenge, for a fee of around 2,000 million pesetas (£7 million).

"Barca are one of the most important clubs in the world and Toldo is a player who is always looking for new experiences and in Barcelona he will be able to have them," Galli declared.

Claude Puel, meanwhile, is also said to be interested in Barca captain Josep Guardiola, who is set to leave the side at the end of the season.

Further transfer activity at the Stade Louis II could see young striker Nicolas Bonnal leaving, possibly for Sunderland or Rangers.