Pato For Ibra - Says Barcelona

Barcelona are understood to be exploring the possibility of signing Milan striker Alexandre Pato as part-exchange for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Spanish champions are willing to let the Swedish striker leave the club for a fee of around €35 million but with the player not keen on a move to Premier League suitors Manchester City, a deal with the Rossoneri may be the more likely scenario.

Milan are known to have doubts about signing the Swede who commands an annual salary of €12 million and Sport reports that the Serie A outfit are exploring the possibility of selling one of their top earners, either Ronaldinho or Pato, to facilitate a move for Ibra.

This may play into Barca's hands in trying to sign the 20-year-old Brazilian as a cash-plus Pato deal for Ibrahimovic may suit all parties.

Ibrahimovic is said to no longer be part of coach Pep Guardiola's plans at Camp Nou and although Fernando Torres and Robinho have also been linked with the club, it appears that a part exchange deal with Milan may see the Blaugrana avoid major expenditure

Goal.com