Christanval a Toon target

The 24-year-old Frenchman has hardly figured in the first team under Louis van Gaal at Camp Nou, and has been linked with several moves away.

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson has been on the lookout for a new central defender for some time and had eyed up the former Monaco man before turning his attentions to Leeds United's Jonathan Woodgate.

Christanval says that he is now hoping to stay with the Spanish giants despite Newcastle's interest.

"I will remain at Barca," said Christanval.

"Considering the club's economical situation and the lack of solidity in the contacts I had, the chance of a January departure is weak.

"Newcastle were interested but not me.

"About Le Championnat, a contact existed with Bordeaux before Christmas, but too fleeting to go deeper into."

Robson now seems set on snatching Woodgate from Elland Road, meaning that Christanval's only means of departure is a return to France.

Barca have been interested in Monaco's Mexican stopper Rafael Marquez, and Christanval has been mentioned in a possible swap deal.

Bordeaux, however, remain favourites for his signature as they could be stepping up their interest should David Sommeil's expected move to Manchester City go through soon.