11/01/2007 09:45,
Report by Steve BartramPapers: Barca swap mootedBarca May Xav Ronnie
Manchester United face a battle to keep Cristiano Ronaldo after Barcelona president Joan Laporta made the Portugal winger his top target for next season. But United want the Spanish club's midfielder Xavi Hernandez, which could pave the way for a player-plus-cash deal. Laporta is determined to land Ronaldo, stung by his failure to sign No.1 target Thierry Henry last season. Manager Frank Rijkaard is not so keen on the player. A Barcelona source said: "Rijkaard doesn't feel Ronaldo is a priority and isn't sure it's worth spending £40m-plus for him. But Laporta has Ronaldo in his head and after what happened with Henry, is even more determined to get his first-choice player."
Martin Lipton, Daily Mirror
In other transfer talk, The Sun claim Tottenham will test United's resolve to keep Wes Brown with a £5million bid for the England international.
Meanwhile, skipper Gary Neville receives widespread coverage after revealing he never doubted United could emerge from their period of transition and return to the top of the Premiership.