General / Editor / 19 February 2007 /

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has moved to deny rumours of internal squabbling at the club after the Spanish champions' lead in La Liga was wiped out at the weekend.

Laporta says last week's bust-up between leading lights Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho is now in the past, after Valencia cast a shadow over their title bid by inflicting a 2-1 defeat on Frank Rijkaard's side at the Mestalla.

Cameroon international Eto'o caused a stir by blasting both Ronaldinho and Rijkaard, leading to reports in the Spanish media that one of the superstars could even be sold as a result of the incident.

Laporta feels the story was blown out of all proportion and hopes that the players will see out their playing days at the Nou Camp.

"We want both of them to finish their careers with Barcelona," he stressed. "There are people out there who are having a ball with this story. But everything was cleared up very quickly.

"I must thank Carles Puyol, Txiki Begristain and Frank Rijkaard, who settled the issue inside 24 hours."

Sevilla's 3-1 victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday night puts the Andalucians level on points with Barca at the top of the table, with Real Madrid and Valencia now just four points behind in one of the most exciting Primera Liga title races in years.

Barcelona remain the 1.5 favourites in Betfair's Primera Liga Winner's market, with Sevilla now trading at 7.4.

Valencia are the new third favourites at 9.6, with Real Madrid drifting to 11 after they drew 0-0 at home to Real Betis on Saturday.

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