BARCA STEP UP VERON HUNT

The Argentinian international, who has suffered from his involvement in a passport row, has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United but Barca appear to have jumped to the front of the queue of interested parties.

Joan Gaspart, the Catalan club's president, and Lazio owner Sergio Cragnotti are reportedly due to meet in Buenos Aires to discuss a big money summer transfer.

Indeed, Barca could be set to bid as much as $40 million (£28 million), although Lazio will demand at least $45 million (£31.6 million).

It is also rumoured that Veron will meet with his representative Gustavo Mascardi and Gaspart, within the next couple of weeks, when he will receive a six-year contract offer to play his football at Camp Nou.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he is targeting six top players this summer, and Italian press reports have indicated that Veron is one of the names on his hit-list.

However, such is the fierce competition for the 26-year-old, a move to Spain would appear to be more likely than a switch to Manchester.