Saviola can leave Barca
Barcelona have confirmed that Javier Saviola is available for transfer.
Barcelona have confirmed that Javier Saviola is available for transfer as he is not in their plans for next season.The Argentine spent last season on loan with French side Monaco, but they have not be able to secure him on a permanent basis.
Saviola wants to return to Camp Nou but sporting director Txiki Beguiristain says that he is not in Frank Rijkaard's plans for next season.
Barca are willing to let Saviola go out on loan again or on a permanent transfer, but admit that he will stay at Camp Nou if there are no takers.
"We have decided that Saviola is not in our plans for next season," said Beguiristain.
"But if he is still here on July 18 then he will continue being a Barcelona player.
"We are still in talks with the player and his representatives and with clubs who may be interested in him. But, at the end of the day, it is down to the player where he wants to spend next season.
"Saviola plays in the same place as Samuel Eto'o and Eto'o has just had a phenomenal season. Then we have Henrik Larsson who is a great forward and there is also Maxi [Lopez], who is a great option to have."
The situation is difficult because club president, Joan Laporta, promised Saviola that if he spent last season on loan at Monaco then he could return to play for Barca in the 2005-06 season.
But he now risks being ostracised from the club, like compatriots Juan Riquelme and Roberto Bonano in the past, for refusing to leave after Frank Rijkaard insisted that he does not want the former River star.
Beguiristain also moved to stop rumours that Leo Messi is a target for several clubs by insisting that the young Argentinian will move into the club's first team next season on a permanent basis.
Messi has been outstanding in the recent Fifa World Youth Championship, but was unhappy that he is still registered with Barca's B team.
Negotiations with the 18-year-old midfielder and his father have now taken place and he has been assured a place in the first-team squad for next term.
"Messi has already proven that he is ready to play for Barcelona," added Beguiristain.
"He will make the move up from the B team."
