AC Milan revealed their interest in Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, sparking rumors of a swap with namesake Thiago Silva.
Barcelona coach Tito Villanova has made Silva his number one priority this summer, but several approaches have been rejected by Milan so far. However, with the Italian club announcing their interest in Alcantara, Barca might have another chance of persuading Milan to let Silva leave for Spain.
"We like Thiago Alcantara, that is for sure," Ariedo Braid, Milan's director general, told COPE Radio.
"He is a great player."
If Barca fail to bring in Silva to Catalunya, the former European champions might go in for Chelsea defender David Luiz, according to the Daily Mail.
Luiz, after a tentative start, grew in confidence last year, seeing his stock rise considerably.
It is highly unlikely, however, Chelsea will let their Brazilian defender leave unless Barcelona make a ridiculously high offer. The Catalans are also keeping an eye on Lyon defender Dejan Lovran.
Meanwhile, reported Barca and Manchester United target Jordi Alba said he is not concerned about rumors linking him with Barcelona and his focus is only on Spain's Euro 2012 campaign. "The rumors are neither pleasant nor uncomfortable," the 23-year-old Valencia player told RAC 1.
"I always said that Barca is the team that plays the best football and they have very good players, who are also here with the national team. I get along very well with the Barcelona players, but also with other (Spain) team-mates.
"I want to focus on the national team and see what happens. A lot of things are being said but, personally, I'm concentrating on what's happening here."
Alba left Barcelona as a youngster after failing to make the first-team grade. Current Barcelona player David Villa, who will miss Euro 2012 due to injury, said Alba would be a great addition. "He's one of the people I get along best with and he has had a spectacular career and it is not only Barcelona that would want him, but every team," the striker said.
"You always want to have players like this with you. He has incredible versatility and is in great physical condition."
Villa also gave the thumbs-up to new coach Villanova, saying the Spaniard was ready to coach Barca.
Brazilian rightback Dani Alves re-affirmed his commitment to Barcelona, amid rumors of a move to Manchester City. "I want to continue to make history with Barcelona," he told Sport.
"I have no plans to leave the club because I am very comfortable here and I have a contract that is still going. We have a great group of players here and I love going into training with them every day."
Italian side Bologna confirmed the capture of Barcelona youngster Marti Riverola on a free transfer. The 21-year-old Barca youth product made only one appearance for the Catalans and went out on loan to Dutch side Vitesse last year.
