• Premier League

Barca hit out at City over Busquets

ESPN staff
October 18, 2012
Wanted man: Sergio Busquets' famed defensive skills are in demand © Getty Images
Enlarge

Barcelona have accused Manchester City of attempting to tap up their players, with the Spanish giants claiming the Premier League champions are hunting Sergio Busquets.

City, backed by the oil money of Sheikh Mansour, have propelled themselves into the European big league and are hunting Champions League glory after winning the Premier League last season.

Manager Roberto Mancini has a raft of big names to call on, including Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure, but he has the backing to swell his squad if he sees fit and reports have linked them with a bid for Barca midfielder Busquets.

City have denied any interest in Busquets, but this has not prevented Barca from hitting out.

"City are now doing at first team what Arsenal did at academy level: call players and offer them lots of money," Barca president Sandro Rosell is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror.

"Other clubs want to repeat our success and cause us to lose. Busquets is the last try from City, but we will remain calm."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close