At present, Gudjohnsen from Chelsea is leading the race to replace Henrik Larsson but the doors are still not closed for Diego Forlán.


It is rumoured that after negotiations with Chelsea stalled in a disagreement about the transfer fee, further transfer talks are to be held next week, in London.


FC Barcelona had to activate Plan B, after the negotiations with Villarreal proved unsuccessful but Barca officials still insist that the clubs are working together on a solution over the Forlán transfer. According to official sources at Barca, Chelsea´s Icelandic international Gudjohnsen is currently much better positioned than the Uruguayan forward Forlan from Villareal to play next season at Camp Nou. FC Barcelona are still monitoring other possible alternatives to replace Larsson.


Villarreal's refusal to let Diego Forlán join Barca for less than the release clause of €23 Mill. made it necessary to activate Barca´s Plan B, which is to go for Frank Rijkaards favourite choice, Eidur Gudjohnsen. FC Barcelona does not want to pay more than €10 Mill. on the transfer fee to Chelsea, but the Londoners are not willing to lower the price. It is rumoured that a rival offer from Manchester United of about €13 Mill. had been tabled at Stamford Bridge. Manchester United is keen to replace Ruud Van Nistelrooy with Eidur Gudjohnsen from Chelsea.

Diego Forlán has another Spanish offer from Valencia and sport director Amedeo Carboni is planning to meet Forlán´s agent in Barcelona on Tuesday.