Saviola ‘won’t be leaving Barca’

BARCELONA president Joan Laporta has dealt a blow to the hopes of Javier Saviola’s suitors by insisting the Argentina striker is not for sale.

Manchester United and Newcastle were among several European big guns linked with Saviola, but Laporta said the former River Plate player would not be leaving Catalunya.

“He is not for sale,” Laporta said.

“He is a Barcelona player and will remain so as long as he has the support of the coach. Other clubs are interested in him - but that is to be expected.”

Saviola’s agent Cabrera Brizuela said yesterday that his client’s first choice would be Monaco should Barca allow him to leave.

Saviola, known as ‘El Conejito’ (The Little Rabbit), joined Barca from Buenos Aires giants River Plate in 2001. He scored 13 league goals for the club last season.