Viana linked with Barca switch

Last updated : 16 December 2003 By Martyn Elliott

The midfielder has been told that he can leave the club on loan in the New Year, although a permanent move is out of the question.

His former club Sporting Lisbon are reported to be leading the race for his signature, although they are believed to be unable to afford to pay his full salary, something which wouldn’t be a problem for Barcelona.

Viana though is keen to find first-team football in order to help him clinch a place in Portugal’s squad for Euro 2004, and you have to wonder whether or not he would actually make Frank Rijkaard’s starting eleven.