The future of Javier Saviola looks to be in the balance this week, after the Argentinian striker was left out of the Barcelona squad for their summer tour of Japan and Korea.

Saviola’s exclusion could be a result of negotiations taking place between the club and the player regarding his future at the Camp Nou.

Meanwhile, the ongoing transfer of Samuel Eto’o, the man earmarked to replace the 23-year-old Argentinian, is causing confusion within the squad, with Saviola still unsure about where he will start the coming season.

The transfer of Eto’o was set to go through on Friday, but la ate intervention from manager Frank Rijkaard has seen the £16m deal put on hold.

Newspaper reports in France have now placed Nicolas Anelka in the Blue and Red of Barcelona. The Manchester City striker is the latest name to be linked with a move to the club. According to ‘L’Equipe’ Barca are “debating the purchase” of Anelka should the deal for Eto’o collapse.