Kluivert puts pressure on Barcelona over contract renewal

Dutch international striker Patrick Kluivert has told Barcelona that if the Catalan club does not agree to his terms for a contract extension he will listen to offers from other clubs. "I will negotiate with Barcelona first, but if we do not reach an agreement I will talk to other teams," Kluivert told reporters after training on Sunday.

The Dutch striker's contract expires at the end of June 2002 and there has been speculation in the Spanish press that he will follow in the footsteps of Luis Figo and defect to Real Madrid if negotiations with Barcelona break down. "Would I ever play at Real Madrid? I am not sure," Kluivert replied when asked about the possibility of playing for the Catalan club's arch-rivals.

"Before it comes to that I will be talking to Barcelona and I will be very happy if we can reach an agreement."
Kluivert went on to deny rumours that he had already signed an agreement to join Real. "That isn't true. I have no agreement with (Real) Madrid. I am not that sort of person. I have great respect for my club and my present contract."

The 24-year-old player, who joined Barcelona in 1998, said he had been affected by the poor form of the club this season. "We are going to have to fight right through to the very end. This has been Barcelona's worst season since I joined the club and it is a real shame how things have gone."

Barcelona drew with local rivals Espanyol in the city derby on Saturday and remain in fifth position in the league, three points behind Real Mallorca and a qualifying place in next year's Champions League.

When asked to comment on Kluivert's declarations about his contract Barcelona president Joan Gaspart said he remained optimistic that the two parties could reach an agreement. "I hope we can resolve the matter successfully and that he will be staying at the club for many years to come. I am sure that is what we all want," Gaspart said.