Barcelona aim to land Roma's Chivu for knockdown fee

Barcelona are ready to take advantage of a buyout clause in the contract of Roma defender Cristian Chivu at the end of this season.

Barca coach Frank Rijkaard is reviving his bid to sign the Romania international after originally being priced out of a deal for the defender when he was moving from Ajax three years ago.

DiarioSport says while Chivu is contracted until 2008, his deal includes a buyout clause this summer set at just £6 million. The clause kicks in from July 1.

Barca have also considered Udinese's Brazilian Felipe, but Rijkaard favours Chivu and has convinced president Joan Laporta to bid for the defender at the end of this season.

He would be a good buy for Barca and really tighten up their defence. he can play at left or centre back so he would probably replace Van Bronkhorst or Sylvinho

I don't know if he'll walk into Gio's boots. Chivu's a class player, but he doesn't have the drive that Gio does. Plus Gio has been immense for Barca in recent seasons.

Omg lol you think Gio is better than Chivu!

I cant remember really seeing Chivu play much but ive hreard hes a good player. I think youre being a bit biased there Mo with Gio being a former Rangers player

Well he didn't cut it at Arsenal, and is only getting a game at Barcelona because Frank Rijkaard is dutch.

He definetly did cut it at Arsenal. He played first team football for long spells. But with Ashley coming through quickly, Gio wasn't guaranteed first team football. He needs first team football or else. I've seen a lot of Chivu. He's actually only 25 or something, so it'll be a great signing. Maybe Frank is planning on going 4-4-2. To re-position for Monsieur Henry coming?

Maybe playing Chivu alongside Puyol in centre back and putting Gio at left back? Gio has great pace and is great at getting down the wings. Sylvinho was another excellent left back who was great here at Arsenal.

They have Marques though who is a great defender and I doubt they will drop him. I know he can play in midfield too but with Xavi coming back soon he wont get many chances there.

Yea, well then I doubt Chivu will walk into the team unless Gio packs it in at Barca. Sylvinho won't stay long either if he's a 3rd choice player.

Marquez is essential for Barcelona, we won't let him go! For me he's another crack like Deco, Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Messi, etc.
And I prefer Sylvinho to Gio or Belletti... he has a special feeling with Ronaldinho when they're attacking, specially on the last games they have played together.

a real class buy i think chivu is one of the best left backs around and would definetly go nicely into the barca line up!