Barca look to offload Rivaldo

Barcelona is looking into a move that would bring Lazio’s midfielder Gaizka Mendieta to the Nou Camp in exchange for Rivaldo, as the club does not want to risk losing the Brazilian World Cup star on a Bosman free trade at the end of the season.

The 30-year-old is out of contract in June of 2003.

"The Mendieta-Rivaldo swap could happen," Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti told Saturday's edtion of Italian paper Gazzetta dello sport. "Barcelona need to talk to the player (Mendieta) but I hope we can produce a deal which will bring another great star to Lazio."

"We are waiting to hear of the Brazilian's intentions. We hope that the deal can reach a good end."

Mendieta failed to live up to expectations after his 41 million euros transfer from Spanish side Valencia last July. The 28-year-old failed to score in 20 matches, while spending considerable time on the bench.