Barcelona look set to turn their attentions to Valencia ace David Silva after finally admitting defeat in their attempts to lure Manchester City star Robinho to the Camp Nou.

The Catalan giants have been heavily linked with Robinho, 25, over the past few months with coach Pep Guardiola a known admirer of the Brazilian sensation.

La Blaugrana are on the lookout for a new left-sided attacker with Thierry Henry widely expected to depart the club in the summer, with a move to MLS outfit New York Red Bulls a possible option at the end of the season.

Robinho had emerged as Guardiola's No.1 transfer target, however, resistance from City and doubts over his recovery from a foot injury have made him think twice and consider other alternatives.

Barca had wanted to take Robinho, who joined City in a British record £32.5million deal from Real Madrid in September 2008, on loan in January with a view to completing a permanent transfer after the World Cup finals.

But having been told 'Robi' is not for sale, reports in Spain suggest that they will now concentrate their efforts on signing Silva, although they could face competition from Manchester United for his signature.

Rubin Kazan star Alejandro Dominguez, who was recently crowned Russian Player of the Year, has also been mentioned in connection with a move to Barca, but Silva appears to be their man target.

The Spanish and European champions are well aware Valencia will have to sell two from Silva, David Villa and Juan Mata in a bid to eat into their spiralling £450million debts, and could launch a bid in summer, if not in January.