DiarioSport says the Italy international is highly admired by new Barca coach Pep Guardiola, who sees the midfielder as an alternative target to Arsenal's Alex Hleb.

With Milan expressing interest in Samuel Eto'o, a swap has been mooted. Only recently, Pirlo admitted: "It would be very nice to taste experiences elsewhere, and indeed there are some proposals very flattering to me.

"With this shirt I've won everything there is to win."