Kluivert happy at Barca

Last updated : 15 July 2003 By Martyn Elliott

The former Ajax and AC Milan star sparked speculation that he would move to the Premiership by reacting angrily to the club’s attempts to slash his wages by 50 per cent.

But with the arrival of fellow Dutchman Frank Rijkaard as Barca’s new manager it appears that Kluivert is happy to stay with the club, and he may yet be able to safeguard his rumoured £4.8million annual salary.

Following discussions between the player and club officials on Monday Barcelona spokesman Txiki Begiristain told the club’s official website: "Patrick's agent told us that he wants to play here next year. We've offered to either extend his contract or fulfil the terms our present agreement. If we extend it, then we'll be looking for a contract according to the new criteria we've been applying across the board.

"We've asked for a reply as soon as possible preferably before Thursday as we'd like to have everything tied up before pre-season training starts. We know he's interested and the technical staff are keen to have him here, but there's nothing definite yet."

The player’s representatives were positive about the talks and Kluivert himself told waiting journalists: “I want to stay.”