Magpies ready to swoop as Rivaldo leaves Barcelona

BARCELONA last night agreed to terminate the contract of Brazilian superstar Rivaldo, sparking a chase for his signature.

The Catalan club made the announcement on their website, possibly paving the way for Newcastle to sign the playmaker who had one year left on his deal.

The www.fcbarcelona.com statement read: ''Barcelona and Rivaldo announce that they have reached an agreement which ends the professional relationship that has been maintained over the last five years.

''Both parties believe this decision is in their mutual interest and want to express a satisfactory relationship has been maintained. Barcelona wants to recognise the contribution of Rivaldo and his professionalism throughout all these years at the club.''

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson last month confirmed an approach had been made for Rivaldo scorer of five goals during his country's triumph in the World Cup this summer.