Barcelona are stepping up on their efforts to sign striker David Villa by offering Bojan Krkic plus cash to Valencia.

According to Cadena Ser, Barca are prepared to use the unsettled Krkic as bait to lure Valencia into a deal.

The 19-year-old Spaniard, who joined Bacelona's youth system in 1999, has been struggling to break into the first team at Barca this season.

The form of Pedro, who is another Barca youth sensation, has also limited Krkic's appearances.

There are reports linking him with a move to Real Zaragoza but he could be persuaded to join Valencia as part of a cash plus player deal.

Other Spanish reports have claimed that a number of top European sides are also keen on Krkic.

But he may well end up staying in Spain should the Blaugrana use him as a makeweight in their plans to lure Villa.