Kluivert barred from the US

Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert has been refused permission to enter the United States to play in the pre-season tournament which includes a match against Premiership champions Manchester United.

The American authorities have blocked his passage due to a criminal record for his involvement in a fatal car accident in 1996 which saw him given a community penalty.

To enter the country he must submit a special visa which he has not completed.

Kluivert landed with the Barca squad this afternoon but was not allowed through passport control with the rest of his colleagues.

Following two and a half hours of interrogation he was told he must return to Spain.