Kluivert set for bargain sale

Exclusive by Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Kluivert is looking for a Premiership move

Arsenal and Manchester United have been put on alert after Barcelona confirmed Patrick Kluivert can leave for a bargain £1.2m from 1 July.

Barcelona vice-president Sandro Rosell confirmed to BBC Sport that Holland striker Kluivert's contract leaves them powerless to stop him leaving a knock-down transfer fee.

Rosell told this website: "If an offer of 1.8m euros is made he can leave the club. This is in line with what was agreed by the previous Barcelona management.

"We obviously think this is strange, but there is nothing we can do about it.

"Whether Manchester United or Arsenal are interested in buying him is something you would have to ask them about."

The news may also alert Newcastle United and Chelsea, with Sir Bobby Robson and Claudio Ranieri big admirers.

If an offer of £1.8m euros is made he can leave the club

Barcelona vice-president Sandro Rosell

Kluivert has already hinted he will leave Barcelona, and has made it clear he would be happy to join Arsenal.

The stumbling block is likely to be Kluivert's personal terms, with the player likely to attempt to take advantage of the small transfer fee to top up his current wages of a reported £4m a year.

The 26-year-old is reported to be fuming at steps to halve his salary and is on the verge of walking out of the Nou Camp.

Kluivert in Barca talks

He said: "I've got offers but the most important ones are from Arsenal and Manchester United.

"United have Ruud van Nistelrooy, but I would be more successful at Arsenal because of the way they play.

"Arsene Wenger's football is more European."

"Dennis Bergkamp says his emphasis on attack is like a Dutch coach in the best days of the national team. And London is a city I love - it would be good for my family."

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