Barcelona are reported to have agreed terms with Real
Zaragoza defender Gabriel Milito.
The 26-year-old Argentine international is set to move to Camp Nou
after four seasons with Zaragoza.
However, the two clubs are yet to agree terms with Barca failing to
meet Zaragoza's demands thus far.
Barca have tried to incorporate both Thiago Motta and Santiago
Ezquerro, but Zaragoza want straight cash for the central defender
and are holding out for 18 million (£12.1million).
Frank Rijkaard firmed up his interest in Milito, after Cristian
Chivu insisted he did not want to move to Spain to either Barca or
Real Madrid.
Milito's arrival could also mean that Rafael Marquez becomes
surplus to requirements, with Atletico Madrid being strongly linked
with a bid.
Meanwhile, Zaragoza are also set to sell midfielder Angel Lafita to
Deportivo La Coruna.
The move will see Lafita pen a permanent deal with Deportivo - but
Zaragoza will have a buy-back clause in which they can sign him
back next summer.
The deal is similar to the one which saw Deportivo sign Javier
Arizmendi form Atletico Madrid last summer, although they have now
lost him to Valencia.
The final details of Arizmendi's deal to Valencia were tied up this
week, with Atletico buying him back then selling him straight to
the Mestalla club.