Giuseppe Rossi's agent has claimed that Barcelona - along with a
number of other top European clubs - are showing a keen interest in
the Manchester United youngster.
The Italian Under 21 international failed to shine at Newcastle
during the first half of the season, but scored on his Parma debut
on Sunday after moving to Serie A on loan to underline his
credentials as a talented prospect.
Rossi is highly-rated within the halls of Old Trafford but now Sir
Alex Ferguson's plans to make the New Jersey-born striker a key
figure in his future plans could be under threat following the news
that Internazionale, Milan, Juventus and Roma have all enquired
about his availability.
Agent Andrea Pastorello has revealed that United knocked back an
offer for the forward in the summer, as well as confirming that
European Champions Barcelona are keen admirers of the player who
had been linked with a further loan move to Sunderland.
"We have had contact with Barcelona," Pastorello is quoted in the
Guardian.
"But I repeat that it will not be easy to take him away from
Manchester United.
"They've already said no to £4.2million, which is no small fee by
today's standards.
"They have great faith in Giuseppe and turned down a £4.2million
bid before the season started.
"I'm grateful to United and we will never clash. But in terms of
his characteristics, I think Rossi is more suited to the Italian
game and that's why we rejected a loan to another English club
[after his spell at Newcastle].
"He is at Parma now and he has a chance to shine."