Barca cool on Robinho

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola has told the Spanish giants to forget a permanent move for Robinho and sign him on loan instead.

Guardiola has noted the Brazilian’s disappointing spell at Manchester City and wants to be sure he would be fully committed to Barca and not just after a big-money move.

But although the Spanish club believe Robinho would jump at a chance to switch to the Nou Camp in the next transfer window, City are unlikely to agree a loan deal.

Manager Mark Hughes insists Robinho is not for sale despite the striker’s latest club versus country row, while City would at least want their £32million outlay back if they sell him.

Guardiola would also prefer to have the option of signing someone else next summer if the deal does not work out and the club could renew their pursuit of Valencia duo Juan Mata and David Silva, or Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery.

The European champions are likely to try to talk with City’s wealthy owners during the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi next month.

Barca president Joan Laporta is due to fly to the United Arab Emirates and could meet City’s owner Sheikh Mansour.

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol does not believe signing Robinho is essential even though it is believed Thierry Henry may leave the club next summer.

Puyol said: “He is a great player, but we have very good players in that position like (Thierry) Henry, Andres (Iniesta), Bojan (Krkic) and Pedro (Rodriguez) who can also play on the wing,” said Puyol. “We have a very complete squad.”