Barcelona have signalled their ambitions this summer by failing in a bid for Bayern Munich pair Franck Ribery and Luca Toni.

El Mundo Deportivo says Barca chiefs held talks with representatives of both players last week, but received little encouragement when asking about their availability.

While they were shot down, Barca's ambitious approach is a sure sign that the current board is determined to continue their spending spree, which has already landed Gerard Pique, the Manchester United defender, and former Sevilla midfielder Seydou Keita.