Jonas happy with Barcelona link

Asked about the rumours linking him with a move to Barcelona (read more here), Newcastle United player and Argentine international Jonás Gutiérrez (26) has said in an interview with Catalan radio station COM Ràdio that playing for Barcelona would be a dream:

"I've indeed heard some reports that Barcelona would be interested in signing me as right back defender.

The truth is that it's a great team. They proved it last year by winning everything. Being part of a great team, playing with great players, that's a dream for everyone. But it's something I don't want to think about right now. I'm focusing on the new season with Newcastle.

I can play both as right back and in midfield. One always tries to adapt to what the coach or the team needs. If I have to play as right back, I try to do that the best I can. I'm always trying to improve. I think the two positions aren't that different."

Read more:
Eight names on right-back short list

Eight names on right-back short list

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola has been proposed by the club a short list, including videos, of candidates to strenghten the right back positon.

It's now up to the coach to inidicate his priority so Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain and Barcelona director of football Raúl Sanllehí can then start to move for the player.

Barcelona would be looking for a quality player, with good technical skills, an attacking way of playing, who's physically strong and agressive.

The names on the short list would include the following eight players:

César Azpilicueta (19 - Osasuna)
Cicinho (29 - Roma)
Emmanuel Eboué (26 - Arsenal)
Zdenek Grygera (29 - Juventus)
Jonás Gutiérrez (26 - Newcastle)
Andoni Iraola (27 - Athletic)
Rafinha (23 - Schalke)
Darijo Srna (27 - Shakhtar)

Read more:
Decisive day for transfer Eboue
Looking for a right back defender
Cicinho and Grygera also options for right back

Barcelona linked with Mallorca's Jonas

Mallorca midfielder Jonás (24) reacted this week to the rumours linking him with Barcelona. In Madrid tabloid Marca the Argentinian is quoted as saying: "I don't know if it's true but i would be very happy and proud if one of the best clubs in the world would be following me." Adding with a tongue in his cheek: "I will try to keep on working hard, so those scouting reports will be good."