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Barcelona Want Riise To Replace Sylvinho - Report

After letting Sylvinho leave the club, Barcelona are now on the look-out for a new left-back...

Jun 4, 2009 3:21:53 PM

John Arne Riise, Roma (Foto Grazia Neri)

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John Arne Riise, Roma (Foto Grazia Neri)

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John Arne Riise

Barcelona are considering making a bid for Roma's John Arne Riise after discovering that he could be available for half the price of Deportivo left-back Felipe, according to a report.

The Blaugrana have announced that Sylvinho's contract will not be renewed and the search for a new defender to compete for a place with Eric Abidal has begun.

Riise could be signed for as little as €5 million, Sport believe, and that has meant that Barcelona have switched their focus from their original target at the Riazor.

Felipe's impressive campaign for Depor has seen the Brazilian earn many admirers, but the Galician outfit are not willing to let any of their players go cheaply this summer.

Club president Augusto Lendoiro is thought to want at least €10 million for Felipe and the price tag slapped on the player has stopped Barca from even making an approach.

Pep Guardiola is a fan of Riise because of his ability to move up and down the flank and the fact that he can chip in with goals when pushing forward too.

After making his professional debut with Aalesund, the Norwegian international moved to Monaco in 1998 and after three seasons joined Liverpool where he stayed for seven years before moving to Roma.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com