Wednesday 14th October 2009
Robinho linked to Barca switch
Manchester City star Robinho is being heavily linked with a move to Barcelona according to reports in Spain.
The Brazilian winger, who has endured an inconsistant year at City, is believed to be close to a return to Spain with Pep Guardiola's treble-winning side looking to sign the ex Real Madrid player.
According to Spanish publication Sport all that stands between him and a move to the Nou Camp is the approval of Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Although sources at City have rubbished reports of a scheduled meeting with Barca officials in December the report suggests that the deal is already close to a conclusion.
It is understood that both clubs have reached a tentative agreement for the transfer of the player during the winter transfer window but the final details have yet to be ironed out.
Robinho will retain the same salary as he is on at City, believed to be in the region of €6.2 million per year, with Barcelona willing to pay half of the players yearly wage to secure a loan deal in January, with an option to buy the Brazilian during the summer.
City are understood to prefer a straight transfer completed in January but Barcelona are said to be confident that the player's wishes and the negotiation skills of Joan Laporta will allow them to secure Robinho on their terms.
It is understood that the final contract and financial details will take some time to be drawn up as Barca will seek to pay for the player over four years and if the deal is not finalised during the FIFA Club World Championships in Abu Dhabi, it will be completed in England before the end of the year.
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