Van Persie to Barca in January?

A report from Catalonia suggests Barcelona technical director Robert Fernandez watched Robin Van Persie over the international break.

Mundo Deportivo say Van Persie suits the profile of forward Barca are looking at for January – experienced and cheap, with a ‘new Henrik Larsson’ having been reportedly targeted.

Robert saw Van Persie come off the bench as the Netherlands lost at home to the Czech Republic, the former Arsenal and Manchester United forward scoring twice, once an own goal and once at the right end.

Van Persie is said to be unhappy at current club Fenerbahce, to whom he moved over the summer after leaving United for a €3.5m fee, and Barca feel they could get him for not much more than that.

The 32-year-old has also previously spoken of a desire to play for Barca and while Barca are unsure about the winter market, there’s a feeling that injuries will force them to make at least one attacking signing.

Luis Enrique still prefers Celta Vigo’s Nolito, having worked with him at Balaidos and Barca B, while Van Persie’s wages in Turkey are likely to be substantial.

But MD point to the past success of Van Persie’s compatriot Edgar Davids, who moved to Barca in January and, for the short-term, was a success, as was Ruud Van Nistelrooy at Real Madrid.