[Buckery]

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slu...ters&type=lgns


Saviola poised to leave Barca on new loan deal

(Adds quote from Barcelona spokesman)

MADRID, July 28 (Reuters) - Barcelona's Argentine striker Javier Saviola has been left out of the squad for a pre-season tour of Japan and China because he is close to agreeing a deal to be loaned to another club.

The 23-year-old international returned to the Spanish champions on Wednesday after a season-long loan at Ligue 1 side Monaco but coach Frank Rijkaard has made it clear he is surplus to requirements.

The pint-sized former River Plate striker has been in contact with Barca's city rivals Espanyol and Atletico Madrid, while Sevilla have also shown interest.

Although there was no indication as to where he might end up, a Barcelona spokesman said a deal was likely to be agreed in the near future.

"Javier Saviola is close to signing a loan deal with another club," said Barca director Ferran Soriano. "The coaching staff did not believe it was appropriate for him to travel with the team because the deal could be closed in the next few days."

Midfielders Thiago Motta and Santi Ezquerro were omitted from the 24-strong squad for the tour because of injury, but Portugal international Deco will join his team mates at the airport after making a flying visit to his home country Brazil for personal reasons.

Barcelona will play J-League champions Yokohama F-Marinos in Tokyo on Saturday and China's Shenzhan Jianlibao next Wednesday.




Whoever ends up with Saviola ends up with a very speedy and offensive player. He can add instant offense to any roster. Argentine International.

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