Guardiola can land Samuel for Barcelona ahead of Real Madrid

If Luis Bassatt wins the Barcelona election, the Catalan giants will compete with Real Madrid for AS Roma defender Walter Samuel.

Bassatt's appointed sports chief, Pep Guardiola, will use his influence with Roma teammate Samuel to convince him to choose the Nou Camp over the Santiago Bernabeu.

Though he hasn't identified him, Marca says Guardiola wants to bring Samuel to Barcelona as his first piece of work in the transfer market.

Real Madrid are also in talks and have offered striker Fernando Morientes in a straight swap.