There's lots to love about Barcelona, but we're particularly fond of their willingness to spend money like there's no tomorrow. Already this season they've splashed out about £60 million on players, but they're not done yet. In fact, according to the NewsNow website, they intend handing Liverpool a cheque for $77 million in return for Nick Barmby. No, just jesting: Michael Owen.

Yes, we guffawed too when we read the figure, which converts to £69,803,284.47 (although you'd imagine Liverpool would knock off the 47p). The club also plans buying Argentine whizz kids Javier Saviola and Pablo Aimar for another £34 million, recouping a quid or two by flogging Petit to Chelsea. Whether Chelsea know this yet we're not sure, but word has it they've made a £4 million salary offer to Zvonimir Boban who was released by AC Milan. Jens Nowotny, meanwhile, would like to join Arsenal because "they have 10 pitches which is very interesting". Eh?

Richard Dunne has declared an interest in joining Celtic, but Bradford, Sunderland and Middlesbrough have declared an interest in signing him. Everton and Aston Villa are the latest favourites to sign Steve Staunton, while Alan Maybury's Leeds' days appear to be over after he joined Crewe on loan, with a view to a permanent deal.