Barcelona Claim Alexander Hleb Talks

Marc Ingla, Barcelona's vice-president, says the club are in talks to sign Alexander Hleb, the Arsenal midfielder.

The Belarus international has been linked with a number of clubs since the end of the Premier League season, however, Barcelona appear to be closing in on the player despite Arsenal's unwillingness to sell.

"The negotiation with Hleb is still in progress," Ingla said. "Despite him being a player with special qualities, if his club are not ready [to sell him], we have other options in mind."

Last week Hleb said he was "angered" by reports linking him with away from the Emirates. "I have not signed for Bayern, Barcelona or any other club for that matter," he said. "So much is being speculated, but I just want to have some peace and sit down with my closest friend [and representative] Niki Spilevski to consider my future."