Barca offer Eidur as bait for United's Pique

United signed Pique, 20, from Barcelona in 2004 by exploiting a loophole in the age Spanish players sign professional contracts.

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He has had a successful season on loan at Real Zaragoza and has caught the eye of Barcelona. The 6ft 4in centre half is due back at United after La Liga finishes on Sunday, with Sir Alex Ferguson telling him he will figure next season.

Zaragoza have already had an offer rejected by United and are expected to make a new £7m bid in the next few days.

Barca, however, want to add height to their defence and hope to tempt United with former Chelsea striker Gudjohnsen, 29.

Meanwhile, the agent of Sampdoria striker Fabio Quagliarella says United have tabled a £10m for the 23-year-old.

DUDEK OFF TO REAL

JERZY DUDEK is ready to move from Liverpool to Real Madrid even though he knows it will mean acting as cover for one of Spain's top goalkeepers again.

The Pole was behind Jose Reina at Anfield but will be in the same situation with Iker Casillas.

Dudek, 34, said: "I've received an offer from one of the greatest clubs in the world."

WEAVER TO LEAVE CITY

MANCHESTER CITY goalkeeper Nicky Weaver is set to quit the club after being left in limbo on a new deal.

He agreed a two-year contract with former boss Stuart Pearce but the club are now stalling on the deal.

Joey Barton last night completed his switch to Newcastle after the north-east club agreed to pay the £300,000 he was owed.

Barton's £5.5million move was held up by City's refusal to pay the money but Newcastle increased the fee to £5.8m, with the difference to be paid to the player.

FULHAM PROPOSE SWAP FOR KOUMAS AND KAMARA

FULHAM will offer West Bromwich Moritz Volz and Collins John plus £3million in a second attempt to lure Jason Koumas and Diomansy Kamara to Craven Cottage.

Birmingham, Middlesbrough and Wigan have also made offers for Kamara and Koumas.

Fulham keeper Mark Crossley has gone on a free transfer to Oldham.

GIBSON TURNS DOWN POMPEY OVERTURES FOR YAKUBU

MIDDLESBROUGH have rejected Portsmouth's £8million bid to re-sign striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu.

Boro chairman Steve Gibson said: "There are many players I want and just because I want them doesn't necessarily mean I'm going to get them. We start pre-season on July 4 and I expect Yakubu to be here."

SAMMY MAY NOT STAND BY STELIOS

FANS' favourite Stelios Giannakopoulos could be a surprise departure from Bolton as new manager Sammy Lee reshapes his squad.

The Greek winger will be 33 next month and found it hard to command a place last season. Manchester City are keeping an eye on his situation.

Goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has refused a new deal, alerting Sunderland, who had a £2million bid rejected.

OLD FRIENDS SELL WIGAN TO MELCHIOT

MARIO MELCHIOT has signed a three-year deal at Wigan to join up with Emile Heskey and Denny Landzaat, who both convinced him | it was a "great club to be at".

The 30-year-old former Chelsea defender, a Bosman free from Rennes, turned down Roma, Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain.

Wigan boss Chris Hutchings said: "He knows the demands of the Premiership. He has been a winner and he's also battle-hardened."