Hleb 'close' to Barcelona deal

ALEXANDER HLEB'S representative yesterday claimed a deal to take the Arsenal player to Barcelona "is close".

Vincenzo Morabito told Spanish newspaper Marca that his client had been hoping for a move to Inter Milan, a transfer that he claims has been scuppered by the appointment of Jose Mourinho as coach of the Italian champions.

However, Morabito claims instead Hleb will now turn his attention to Barca.