The Daily Star says determined not to let fierce rivals Real Madrid sign the most coveted player in world football, the Barca board are willing to offload the likes of Deco, Ronaldinho and Eidur Gudjohnsen to finance a record-breaking move.

Barca sports director Txiki Begiristain told Spanish TV programme Gol a Gol: "Cristiano Ronaldo is a player we think we can sign in the summer.

"Barcelona have never said we are not interested in him, but he is just one of many players we are looking at. We know we need to have a lot of options.

"It is logical that for the arrival of big expensive players it is necessary for some to exit. The door is open, but we will not reveal in advance any names."