Rivaldo talks

By Matthew Jones
June 11 2002

Newcastle officials Douglas Hall and Freddie Shepherd are understood to have held talks with Barcelona over the availability of Rivaldo.

Newcastle officials Douglas Hall and Freddie Shepherd are understood to have held talks with Barcelona over the availability of Rivaldo.
The Brazilian ace, who was World Player of the Year in 1999, is believed to be available for transfer at the Nou Camp with his contract set to expire next season.

New Barca coach Louis van Gaal is not keen on keeping the midfielder, who he believes is a disruptive influence and the Catalan giants could be tempted to offload him now for a fee of around £10million rather than lose him for nothing next term.

Discussions with the La Liga side have reportedly gone well and United's next move will be to sound out the player's representatives.

Deputy chairman Hall is a big admirer of the Brazilian midfield ace and has gone on record stating that Rivaldo would be his "dream" signing.