Barcelona are dropping their pursuit of Manchester City whiz Robinho.

The Daily Mail says the Spanish giants have found the deal more difficult to pull off than they expected and are seriously considering turning their attention to Valencia's David Silva as an alternative.

Barca had wanted to take 25-year-old Robinho on loan for the second half of the season with a view to completing a permanent transfer in the summer.

However, resistance from City and doubts over Robinho's recovery from a foot injury have made them think twice.