The transfer of Yaya Toure will also be completed today,
and the player is expected to be presented on
Tuesday.
Barcelona are expected to strike a 12m euro deal for the transfer
of Ivorian international midfielder from Monaco.
The Catalan giants were offering 10 million, but Monaco were
insistent on 12 as they must pay half of his transfer fee to
Ukrainian side Metalurg Donetsk.
Dimitri Selluyk, Toure's representative, confirmed that a deal was
almost done, and that barring a surprise, would be confirmed today
itself.
"The two parties are very close to an agreement, and hopeful of
closing the deal," he told Sport.
He will be in Barcelona today to speak with Txiki Begiristain, and
formalise an agreement that has more or less been reached over the
telephone.
"Barring a surprise, Toure will play for Barcelona next year," he
said.
The player is currently in his homeland on vacation, awaiting
confirmation, and is expected to reach Barcelona tonight.
He will complete a medical on Monday morning, before signing a four
year contract worth two million euros a season, which could go up
to three depending on performances and results.
With Thierry Henry also expected in Barcelona tonight, and due to
be presented tomorrow, it was being suggested that the two be
presented together. However, Toure's presentation will take place
on Tuesday morning so as to ensure he gets his share of the
attention, and is not overrun by the fuss surrounding Thierry
Henry's move.
There is some connection between the two players, though, as Henry
himself is a former Monaco player. Also, the Frenchman has already
played with Yaya's older brother Kolo at Arsenal.
