"Barcelona denies rumors about Anelka purchase" © EuroFootball.com

The sports director Txikis Belguiristain denied rumors about a possible purchase of French player Nicolas Anelka, who plays for an English club.

Since the future of the Dutch Patrick Kluivert at Barcelona is unclear, reports have emerged that the Spanish club will try to acquire a high-level striker this summer. Among the candidates, 25-year-old Anelka, who has already scored 21 goals this season, with 9 of them in the last 10 matches for Man City, was frequently mentioned.

"We are looking for a striker, but not from England," said Belguiristain. "And we certainly do not plan to acquire Anelka."

After failing to acquire a forward from London, Barcelona redirected their efforts towards acquiring two other star players.

Currently, Barcelona is represented by Edgaras Davids on loan from Juventus, and the Spanish team's coach, Dutchman Frank Rijkaard, does not hide his desire to acquire this midfielder known as "The Pitbull."

Barcelona is also interested in another Juventus star and Anelka's teammate in the French national team, David Trezeguet, who has scored 12 goals in the Italian championship this season.