Barcelona are willing to pay €25 million in January for Manchester City star Robinho.

El Mundo Deportivo says Barca are prepared to sign Robinho immediately, rather than push for their preferred loan option. However, their offer will fall short of the €35 million City are seeking to recoup from last year's deal with Real Madrid.

Barca will argue with City officials in Abu Dhabi this week that their offer is realistic given Robinho's form slide and also with them needing to cough up more in personal terms for the Brazilian with Spain's tax laws for foreign footballers to see their top rate jump from 24 per cent to 43 per cent.