Barca talk excites Senna

Barca is reportedly considering the signing of Senna as cover for defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets and as a low-cost replacement for Yaya Toure, who recently joined Manchester City.

Senna, a European champion with Spain in 2008, struggled with injuries last season and missed out on this summer's World Cup.

The Brazil-born midfielder is currently away with his current club Villarreal but said he would love to move to Barca.

"For me it's an honour and a dream that Barca are thinking of me," he told Spanish reporters on Villarreal's pre-season tour in Ireland.

"There's nothing yet, but just the fact they are thinking of me is an honour."

Senna is 34 and his agent says a move to the Nou Camp would be the perfect way for the player to end his career.

"It would be the crowning moment of his sporting career," Eli Coimbra told El Mundo Deportivo.

And the player's representative is certain a deal could be struck between the two clubs.

"I'm certain that if Barca speak to Villarreal, the club's directors won't put up any obstacles to stop him from leaving," he said.

"In these eight years at the club, Senna has never had a problem with the club. On the contrary, he has always been very professional and they would understand that going to Barca would be a unique opportunity."

Villarreal faces Tottenham in a friendly to be played at White Hart Lane and Barca president Sandro Rosell is reportedly planning to travel to north London to speak to both Senna and their main transfer target, Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas.

With Mexico defender Rafael Marquez set to depart to join the New York Red Bulls in the next few days, Barca will lose another player able to cover in central midfield and the Catalans look set to bring in two new footballers in that position.

If Marquez's exit is confirmed, it will bring an end to the 31-year-old's seven years at the Nou Camp and leave squad number four vacant.

That was the number immortalised by current coach Pep Guardiola in the 1990s and is expected to be held back for Fabregas, who has admitted he idolised the stylish midfielder as a youngster.