Barcelona fear that Mexican Giovani dos Santos will join Manchester
United or Chelsea in the New Year because the 18-year-old has hired
Pini Zahavi as his
new agent.
United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are all keeping close tabs
on the skilful attacking midfielder touted as a successor to
Ronaldinho at the Nou Camp who will make his debut for Mexico
against Panama today.
Giovani, who starred in Mexico's Under-17 World Cup win in 2005, is
under contract at Barca until 2008 and has a buy-out clause of
around £10 million. But because he signed his contract before he
turned 18 and was not officially an adult, his deal may not be
legally enforceable.
Zahavi, who fixed Roman Abramovich's deal to buy Chelsea and who
has negotiated many transfers for United, will act for Giovani in
November.
Zahavi said: "Until then I will not speak to anyone about him.
There has been no contact with English clubs. But obviously Giovani
is a diamond of world football. He has a contract until 2008 but he
signed when he was under 18, so you can look at that how you
wish."
Barca fear that Zahavi's links with Abramovich and Sir Alex
Ferguson mean they may have to break their budget to keep
him.
Dos Santos, son of former Brazilian player Zizinho, has a European
Union passport and will not require a work permit.
