Catalans come calling for Cabaye?

Yesterday's Sun carried the somewhat fanciful (you'd imagine) suggestion that Dreamboat might be interesting Barcelona.While there's no denying his performances during the Euros will have turned a few heads - those which weren't already turned by displays for us and, before that, Lille as they won the French double - I can't see the Catalan giants seriously considering a bid.

As for the player, the lure of playing at the Nou Camp would of course be strong, but surely it would be a suicidal career move to hope he might break into the midfield that has won three consecutive trophies for Spain. The Frenchman has become an integral figure off the pitch for us, helping HBA and the French-speaking recruits Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse to settle and also (apparently) putting in a good word with former Lille teammate Mathieu Debuchy, so his loss would be a major blow.

If he or any of our other star men is to leave, then the Silver Fox has warned suitors that they will have to "pay way over the odds". The boot may be on the other foot when it comes to Ajax utility man Vurnon Anita, though. We're offering £6m, the Dutch outfit are holding out for £8m and the player wants his future resolved as soon as possible.