Barca close on Ibra deal

Eto'o and Hleb set to head to Inter

Last updated: 17th July 2009  

Barca close on Ibra deal

Ibrahimovic: Set for Barca

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed an 'agreement in principle' has been reached with Inter Milan regarding a deal for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Swedish striker Ibrahimovic appears to be on his way to the European champions, with Samuel Eto'o and Alexander Hleb heading in the opposite direction.

Inter supremo Massimo Moratti revealed earlier on Friday that he had been locked in talks regarding player movement between the two clubs for the past week.

Brazilian full-back Maxwell has already agreed to sign for Barca from Inter and he could soon be joined at Camp Nou by Ibrahimovic.

Reports have suggested that Inter are willing to accept €40million (£34.6million) plus Eto'o and the season-long loan signing of Hleb in order to let Ibrahimovic move to Spain.

Though negotiations between the two clubs are continuing, Laporta confirmed that a deal is close to being agreed.

"There is an agreement in principle with Inter Milan," Laporta told the Spanish media.

"Ibrahimovic's signing depends on the player himself, on Samuel Eto'o and all the parties involved."

Eto'o, who has a year remaining on his contract, has been offered a new two-year deal by Barca, but has not yet responded to the terms.

Manchester City dropped their interest in signing the Cameroon international last week and he now appears set to link up with Jose Mourinho's Inter.

Meanwhile, Laporta revealed that the potential arrival of Ibrahimovic would not necessarily lead to Barca dropping their interest in Valencia star David Villa.

He added: "David Villa as an option is not finished. We haven't discarded any possibilities."