Giuly, even though thinking of staying on at Barcelona, is still in high demand.


AS Roma and AS Monaco are set to rumble for FC Barcelona star, Ludovic Giuly, who after making himself available for transfer this summer, suddenly changed his mind and is now insisting he will remain in Camp Nou to see out his remaining year of his contract with Barca, after which he can leave as a free agent to either France or make a stop in England, enroute to France.
Since the Giuly declaration, frontrunners Tottenham Hotspur have slowed down their chase for the French International, but perhaps the Spurs cool off has inspired Serie A club, Roma to step up their chase for Ludo. Bothe Roma and Monaco, having conflicting interests, seem to agree on one thing though, which is the asking price for Giuly is too high. Barca have placed a price of 5 Million Euros on Ludo, but Roma are willing to pay 3 Million Euros. Roma's sports director, Daniele Prade says:

What Barcelona are asking for is too much. Our offer for Giuly is interesting and it has been adjusted to the current market
Also, it is important to consider that his contract demands are high.

Coach Ricardo of Monaco, who is full of admiration for their former star, Ludovic, says:

Giuly fits the exact description of the player we need in Monaco. I want a wide midfielder who can take on players, go past them and cross. We do not have a player like this and we have to have at least one. On the left or the right, but the preference is the right. Ideally, it is Giuly. I hope he is going to come. I hope, even if it could be tricky.

Final decision on Ludovic Giuly is being awaited from Barca.

The chase for FC Barcelona's Ludovic Giuly hots up as Tottenham Hotspur raise the stakes.


Ludovic Giuly has continued to attract Premiership clubs, and one the English sides, Tottenham Hotspur, has not yet given up on getting the gifted left winger of FC Barcelona despite top gestures from French clubs. Giuly, though interested in going to France in a bid to return to his home-country with his family, may yet re-consider his inclinations toward a return to his homeland, as the lure of the English Premiership grows stronger. Tottenham Hotspur want to come back into reckoning in the Premiership, and with many signings taking place among other rival clubs, Spurs are gingered into action. Tottenham believe they must make signings of experienced players like Barca's Ludovic Giuly if they hope to compete favourably with the likes of Liverpool FC, who recently acquired Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid, while rival clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea FC are strengthening their already strong teams, with Arsenal FC chasing agile Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins among others, in the face of a failed signing of FC Barcelona's Cameroonian star, Samuel Eto'o.
Tottenham Hotspur will face stiff competiton in the likes of Olympique Marseille and Olympique Lyonnaise both of France, who have indicated strong interest in welcoming Ludo back to France after the talented player left France for a spell in Spain, after taking French team AS Monaco to enviable heights including a final match runner-up position in the UEFA Champions League. Tottenham hopes Giuly's International experience for both club and country will inspire Spurs to a top four spot in the English Premiership next season. The cash required to get Giuly is 5 Million Euros, which shouldn't be much of a problem for Tottenham, a development that will be an advantage for the English men as the other French clubs are still delaying by trying to negotiate a free transfer with an unwilling FC Barcelona for the services of Giuly.

FC Barcelona´s French winger Ludovic Giuly has denied having any talks with either, Liverpool or Juventus Turin.


The "Old Lady" Juventus, back in Italy´s Serie A, are looking to build a competitive team to challenge for the Championship right in their first year. Liverpool are expected to splash some dosh in the next transfer market following their recent US takeover.


Also, some French clubs have been linked with Ludovic Giuly, with the hottest talk that the Barca player could be used in a swap deal involving Lyon´s full back Eric Abidal.


However, giuly feels happy at the Camp Nou and is committed to stay for at least another year, when his contract finishes with the Blaugrana:

I have had no contact with Lyon, Paris, Monaco, Juventus or Liverpool. I have no desire to leave. I have one year remaining on my contract and I want to fulfil it. If I was forced to leave, I would look for a big club. Maybe people have noticed me less than last year, but I still playing 60 per cent of the matches. It is not so bad at Barcelona, where I remain the only Frenchman to have won titles.

FC Barcelona winger Ludovic Giuly is aware of the possibility that he could be the bait in a Swap Deal between FC Barcelona and Olympique Lyon for French international Eric Abidal. Giuly acknowledged the swap rumours and knows he could be on his way out of Barca, even he would like to finish his contract with the Blaugrana in 2009:

I am aware of that possible swap. I would like to finish my contract with Barca until 2009. But in football you can never say never.

The FC Barcelona players were pleased with their performanc in the victory against Celta Vigo on Sunday evening. The player´s were not only delighted for the three points but also that they rediscovered their form and entertained the spectators at Camp now and in front of the TV´s.
Here are several post match comments from the players:


Giuly:

It is great for everyone. For me and for the team. I enjoyed playing because we have final found our rhythm again and and played well. Deco made a great pass for my goal. It was a really good move. I liked it a lot.

It is difficult to play the entire 90 minutes at full pace. There comes a time when you need a break. But it was nothing as we have a great team. It was a good time for me to stop.

Gio:

The penalty that they won was not very good for us. Oleguer and I collided, but in the end the most important thing was that we carried on fighting and that we managed to win the game. I do not know if it was a penalty because I was right on the edge. But the truth is that I am not going to protest against a decision that has already been made.

Xavi:

We deserved to win. We have been much more aggressive. We are very happy with the three points. The team has shown what it can do, we have made chances and the fans enjoyed it more than the last game. We have also improved the pressure that we apply during matches.

The first incident, when Celta won their penalty, looked like two of our players collided with each ither, while for our penalty, Gio has told me that there was slight contact and he has gone over, but I will have to see it again.

The fans always respond when we play well. We know that some teams have slipped up and that Sevilla won their game.

Iniesta

I always try to do my best when I am playing in a new position. I think, we went out with the desire to put on a show. The fans were behind from the start and we maintained our form. This is a long season and we have to continue going from game to game. The team showed a good attitude, we have won the ball back and not lost it again and the fans have been with us. Now we are looking forward to the game against Zaragoza on Wednesday.

Valdés

I think we showed great intesity in our play. We have played well and have picked up an important win. The team put on more of a show this time than in the previous home game.

If the referee whistles for a penalty then he must have seen something.

We have it our own hands, like in previous seasons. Now we have to take one step at a time.

Oleguer

I am pleased with the win. The team has played at a good level, we pressed high up the pitch and created chances. Patience is required. The team will improve and we will work hard. There are always ups and downs and you never know when they will arrive.