May 24, 2001

                                 Toldo craves Barcelona challenge

Fiorentina official Giovanni Galli has admitted his club have little hope of holding on to Barcelona-target Francesco Toldo.
"Toldo is the type of person always looking for new experiences and in Barcelona he will be able to have them," he said.

Barcelona's top transfer-fixer, Josep Maria Minguella, has been in talks with goalkeeper Toldo and is confident of tying up
the move within days.

Galli's blessing seems to confirm it is a matter of when, not if, the star of Italy's Euro 2000 campaign will swap the Artemio
Franchi stadium for the Nou Camp.

"If Francesco is going to leave us, then it will be very soon," he said. "Barcelona are one of the biggest and most important
clubs in the world, so they are bound to tempt him.

"Toldo is a man with a great sense of professionalism and seriousness and he trains very hard.

"He was not born a champion, he has become one through sheer hard work," added Galli, a former Italy and Fiorentina
goalkeeper whose main role is aiding communication between the Viola squad and the board of directors.

Barcelona are looking to strengthen all areas of their squad after a disasterous season that has seen them dumped out of the
Champions' League and the Uefa Cup, while struggling in La Liga.

The goalkeeper's position has caused particular problems, with young Jose Reina called in to deputise for the injured
Richard Dutruel. Neither has shown convincing form and Dutruel now looks set for a transfer to France.

Barca moved to improve their creaking defence on Tuesday when they agreed a £7.7 million fee with Monaco for elegant
centre-half Philippe Christanval.

                                         Courtesy: One Football

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