FCBARCELONA.CAT

28.05.2010 15:55

Laporta keen to keep squad together

Marc Guillén

Joan Laporta has stated that FC Barcelona will only listen to offer for players who have told the club that they want to leave and explained that Touré Yaya's agent has told him that the midfielder is keen to play more.

The Blaugrana president laid out the board's plans to build on the current squad, having already added David Villa, but did say that if any player makes a request to leave then any offers would be considered.

Touré

On Touré's situation at Camp Nou, Laporta commented: "He is a great player who has shone at Barça and, therefore, we would like him to stay here for many years to come, but his agent has talked to us about the possibility of him leaving because he is slightly unhappy about certain sporting aspects," he explained. "The player is unsettled because he wants to play more and for that reason we will listen to any offers that other clubs may make." Laporta then revealed that while offers for Touré had been made, it was down to Txiki Begiristain to deal with them.

Fàbregas

Reflecting on Cesc Fàbregas' situation Laporta continued: "We will not sign any player for moer than their market value. We are interested in signing Cesc and Arsenal know that, but we will not pay exorbitant prices for any player. If his asking price comes down to a true amount then we will do all we can to sign him, but it has to be a realistic price."

While talks have taken place with Arsenal the Barça president believes that "it is very important that Cesc declares openly his desire to come to Barça". Talks have also been held between manager Arsène Wenger and the midfielder and Laporta thinks that "it is always good that a trainer reaches an agreement with a player".

Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has also been the subject of media speculation, but Laporta is not aware of anything official. "I have not heard any of the news that he is thinking about leaving Barça," the supremo stated. "We are not disappointed with Ibra, he has had a good season and we are very proud of the job he has done and, above all, his attitude within the squad. We are pleased that player of his level has adapted so well to the squad and has been so humble. We are very pleased with him."