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On Wednesday, the champions of Spain announced that their Argentine forward Javier Saviola is no longer needed by the club.
"He played well, but we have players who can offer more," said Barcelona's sporting director Txiki Begiristain officially to the club's website. "We have excellent forwards of various types."
Among Barcelona's ranks is one of the most prolific forwards of last season's Spanish championship, Samuel Eto'o. The club also owns Swedish Henrik Larsson and Argentine Maxi Lopez. Also, there are good chances of breaking into the starting lineup for Argentine Lionel Messi, who has recently been in good form.
"Eto'o is a similar type of player to Saviola," said T. Begiristain. "In the second striker position, we have Henrik, who plays excellently with his back to goal. We also have Lopez, who plays well when physicality is needed."
Saviola, whose contract with Barca is valid until 2006, spent last season with Monaco and participated in the Confederations Cup with the Argentine national team a week ago.
Barcelona confirmed that they are currently negotiating with several clubs interested in J. Saviola. It is said that the Argentine is actively being pursued by another Barcelona team, Espanyol, who recently lost their attacking leader Maxi Rodriguez.
