Manchester City should have nothing to fear from drawing Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League, according to director of football Txiki Begiristain.

Barcelona midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta should recognise their surroundings when they emerge from the tunnel for tonight’s Champions League last 16 first leg at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City look set to strike a double early blow in the transfer market as they close in on the signings of Fernandinho and Jesus Navas.

Jose Mourinho’s hints of an imminent return to England after Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final exit to Borussia Dortmund may have been more desperate than they first looked.

Roberto Mancini insists he will retain control over Manchester City signings despite the appointment of Txiki Begiristain as director of football.

Roberto Mancini declared himself happy with his position at Manchester City but did not deny reports he was close to leaving last season.

Manchester City 1 Swansea City 0

Manchester City have announced the appointment of Spaniard Txiki Begiristain as their new director of football.

Xavi believes Spain team-mate Cesc Fabregas will join him at Barcelona at some point, and hopes a deal can be agreed sooner rather than later for the Arsenal captain to return home to Catalonia.

ARSENAL last night completed the signing of long-term target Marouane Chamakh and vowed to do their “damnedest’’ to keep want-away skipper Cesc Fabregas at the club.

Arsene Wenger faces one of the biggest tests of his managerial career as he attempts to persuade Cesc Fabregas that the Arsenal captain can achieve all his ambitions with the Gunners rather than at Barcelona.

DAVID VILLA bade an emotional farewell to Valencia yesterday after the club agreed to sell the Spain striker to Barcelona for €40 million.

BARCELONA sporting director Txiki Begiristain has denied the reigning European and Spanish champions have told Arsenal they will not be making a move for Cesc Fabregas this summer.

Barcelona technical secretary Txiki Begiristain has played down speculation linking the Catalans with a move for Manchester City forward Robinho.

Barcelona have not approached Manchester City about forward Robinho since the summer, according to sporting director Txiki Begiristain.

Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain has admitted the club want to bring Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas back to the Nou Camp, but will not pay over the odds.

Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain insists there are no shortage of clubs wanting to take new signing Keirrison on loan for next season.

BARCELONA last night confirmed they have agreed a deal for the Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with Samuel Eto’o travelling in the opposite direction.

Barcelona technical secretary Txiki Begiristain has revealed Samuel Eto’o is attracting interest from “four or five big clubs”.

Barcelona are still hoping to prevent Lionel Messi from playing in the Beijing Olympics, confirmed sporting director Txiki Begiristain.

MANCHESTER CITY manager Mark Hughes remains determined to lure Ronaldinho to Eastlands.

Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain remains "totally convinced" Ronaldinho will not leave for Chelsea or any other club as rumours persist they are keen to sign Blues target Daniel Alves from Sevilla.

LUIS GONZALEZ knows what is expected of him when he makes his World Cup bow for Argentina — a tough double shift.

Barcelona have denied reports their sporting director Txiki Begiristain is trying to lure Chelsea midfelder Frank Lampard to the Nou Camp.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has admitted Thierry Henry would be a great signing for the club but has ruled out a move for the Arsenal striker.

Barcelona could be set to test Tottenham’s resolve to keep Fredi Kanoute at White Hart Lane in a bid to bolster their attacking options.

Michael Owen has ruled out making an early return to Liverpool from Real Madrid.

Barcelona today claimed they have sold forward Luis Garcia to Liverpool for £6m (€8.9m), subject to a medical.

Barcelona announced a major squad clear-out today by revealing that Patrick Kluivert, Marc Overmars, Phillip Cocu, Michael Reiziger and Rustu Recber will leave the club this summer.

Dutch international Edgar Davids could be on his way to the Premiership.

BARCELONA’S new sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, has all but ruled out a move for Arsenal’s French striker Thierry Henry.

Txiki Begiristain, Barcelona’s new sporting director, has all but ruled out a move for Arsenal’s French striker Thierry Henry.