Blanc is in the race too

Another day, another possible name to replace Frank Rijkaard as Barcelona manager next season. Spanish radio station Cadena Ser and Catalan radio station Ona FM claim that former Barcelona defender Laurent Blanc (42) is also one of the candidates. The Barcelona board would be impressed by his personality and his attacking playing style. His lack of experience could be a minus.

Laurent Blanc played for Barcelona in the season 1996-1997. He was signed by Johan Cruyff, who was however sacked on the day of Blanc's signing and later replaced by Sir Bobby Robson. Since last summer Blanc is the manager of Girondins Bordeaux, second in the French league.

Ronaldinho not keen on Milano

During an interview on the Italian television station Italia 1, Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho (27) told he was in no way interested in a move to Milan or Inter. The Brazilian said that knowing a big club appreciates your work is a stimulus, but that he's only trying to get into a new momentum so he can play at the top level for Barcelona.

Xavi dreams about retirement

Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandéz (28) said this week in an interview with his club's television channel Barça TV that he dreams about ending his career with the club: "Nevertheless, I know it's gonna be difficult, cause the level here is incredibly high."

This weekend, Xavi plays his 400th official game in the Barcelona shirt. He came to the club in 1991 and made his first team debut seven years later under manger Louis Van Gaal. Xavi's current contract expires in 2010.

The Milito brothers

During a presentation of a new football shoe, Zaragoza striker Diego Milito (28) was asked about new rumours linking him to with a Barcelona move next summer. The Argentinian said that he feels honoured a club like Barcelona could be interested in him but that he's comfortable at his club: "We'll see what happens at the end of the season, if there's an offer and if it suits the club and myself."

Diego Milito is the older brother of Barcelona central defender Gabriel Milito.

Thuram advisor denies Arsenal

Oscar Damiani, personal advisor of Barcelona defender Lilian Thuram (36), told British sports site Setanta Sports that the player has not held talks with Arsenal.

Damiani claims that Thuram, whose contract expires in June, didn't even decide yet whether he will stop playing football or not when the season ends: "It's difficult to make a statement because Lilian does not know yet if he is going to continue to play next season."