By Matthew Jones
October 20 2003

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that St James' Park officials flew to Spain over the weekend to open talks over the possible transfer of Patrick Kluivert. AS REPORTED HERE, Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd IS in Spain and IS talking to Barcelona officials about the signing of Patrick Kluivert.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that St James' Park officials flew to Spain over the weekend to open talks over the possible transfer of Patrick Kluivert. Barca were approached by Newcastle to participate in a summer tournament - which was presented as the reason for chairman Freddy Shepherd's visit to Catalunya on Saturday.

However, Laporta has confirmed that Newcastle have held talks regarding Kluivert.

HE SAID: "I have total confidence in Kluivert, as has the technical body of the team.

"On the subject of Newcastle, they came to invite us to play in a quadrangular match next summer and step on from that, they asked for the situation about Patrick.

"We did not give permission for them to negotiate with the player.

"Kluivert is a forward of the top level and we need him to score goals, which has been lacking.

"If an offer is made we will study it and we will meet with the club so that it can be considered."

Barcelona are believed to be keen to keep the 27-year-old striker, but his current contract situation is complicating matters. Kluivert is on a deal with Barca until 2005, however under the terms of his deal the player's release fee - which currently stands at €36 million (£25 million) - will drop to just €1.8 million (£1.2 million) in June.

Barca staff know that they cannot afford to let Kluivert leave on his release clause of just over a £1 million in the summer and so they either need to sell him in January when the transfer window re-opens, or preferable for them, negotiate a new contract.

Sources in Spain are suggesting that Newcastle's bid may be doomed to failure as Kluivert is not keen on a switch to the North East. Spanish reports have also stated that only Arsenal, Manchester United or Chelsea would have a chance of bringing him to England.

Newcastle will return to Spain in December to seek further talks (as requested by Laporta) as Sir Bobby seems to see Kluivert as the long-term replacement for Alan Shearer.

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