The former Monaco man, capped four times by France, has fallen out of favour at the Nou Camp since the arrival of manager Louis van Gaal.
The 24-year-old is believed to be keen to leave Barca in January in order to get the first team football he needs to get back into the national squad. His lack of action this season has seen Christanval replaced in Jacques Santini’s squad by Chelsea’s William Gallas.
He has been quoted in the Spanish press as saying that he wants a move from Barcelona and that he is aware of speculation involving two Premiership clubs, us and Leeds United.
Christanval is undoubtedly a fine talent and we need to strengthen our defence, but do we need another ball player at the back rather than a stopper.
Of the defenders linked with us recently I would like to see Jaap Stam on his way to St James Park, but unfortunately that seems unlikely to happen at the moment.