City star Zabaleta eyed by Barcelona

By Staff Writer
Updated: 21 May, 2012

Manchester City full back Pablo Zabaleta is on Barcelona’s summer transfer shortlist according to reports in today’s MundoDeportivo.
with Emmanuel Adebayor.

City bought Zabaletz from la liga side Espanyol in the summer of 2008 and the Argentine international has become a fan favourite at the Etihad Stadium where he helped Roberto Mancini’s side clinch their first league title in 44 years this season.

MD now report Barça are looking at the 27-year-old as cover for Dani Alves whose long-term future is still unclear. Zabaleta is believed to enjoy a close relationship with the Catalan club’s fellow Argentines Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano, with the the Buenos Aires-born player also making his international debut on the same day as Messi against Hungary in 2005.

Zabaleta was linked with a return to Spain in February when Valencia were reportedly interested in the defender, however injury to City’s Micah Richards gave Zabaleta a pivotal role in the team during the final three months of the season.

City enjoyed an open-top bus trophy parade through the streets of Manchester on Monday, after Mancini’s side pipped rivals United to the title with two stoppage time goals against QPR on Sunday.

Follow @icentrocampista