Robinho Rocks Manchester City Dressing Room With Talk Of Barcelona Move

Manchester City forward Robinho has done little to distance himself from the speculation linking him with a return to Spain's La Liga, with Barcelona allegedly heading the queue for his signature.

The Mirror report that the Brazil international repeatedly tells his Citizens team-mates of his desire to join the Catalan club, with spearheading striker Roque Santa Cruz lifting the lid to Catalunya Radio.

Santa Cruz said: "Of course he talks to us about it, and the players are cracking jokes about it in the dressing room.

"In the English papers there's a lot of interest about Barca and Robinho is also not hiding his desire to play for them one day. But I guess we'll see."

Robinho was the first player to sign for City following the influx of riches from new Abu Dhabi-based owners. The former Real Madrid attacker was signed for a British record £32.5 million. City manager Mark Hughes is not expected to grant Barcelona a straight-forward deal, with a loan move also being mooted.

"It wouldn't be difficult. To add a talent like Robinho to the quality of players they have would give a different air to Barca because he's got great ability and is a player who pleases crowds because of the way he plays.

"A player that good wouldn't have any problems being part of that side."

Alan Dawson, Goal.com UK