Barca move for Iaquinta

Barcelona have made Udinese's Vincenzo Iaquinta their top striking target.

There are conflicting reports over how far advanced Barca's attempts to sign the hit-man are, but sources in Spain insist the Catalans have already struck a deal with the player.

Barca have been on the look-out for a powerful frontman after injury robbed them of the services of Henrik Larsson for the rest of the season.

They have been linked with both John Carew and Fredi Kanoute, but Iaquinta - once a target for Middlesbrough - is now their priority.

The stumbling block for any transfer is the fee involved for the 25-year-old's services.

Barca initially wanted to try and take the striker on a loan deal until the end of the season, but Udinese - who are pushing for European qualification this term - made it clear they would not consider such a deal.

Consequently the Spanish titans are understood to have returned with a firm offer of ‚é¼5 million, but Udinese are holding out for around ‚é¼8 million.

Tkixi Beguiristain is reported to be handling negotiations for the transfer, and Barca's director of sport believes Iaquinta is similar in style to former Barcelona forward Julio Salinas, who helped the club win the European Cup in 1992.

However, Los Cules will not be forced into paying what they feel is over the odds for the Italian, and have not discounted the option of Carew should Udinese refuse to lower their demands.