Barca closing on Albertini

Demetrio Albertini is negotiating his release from Atalanta to secure a move to Barcelona.

Atalanta were initially insistent that the experienced midfielder would not be leaving, but appear to have had their hand forced by Albertini's desire to move to Spain.

The 33-year-old's agent met with Atalanta officials on Friday to try and reach an agreement to allow him to quit the Serie A strugglers.

Albertini is understood to be prepared to write off certain payments he is due to clinch the move.

Barca are hopeful that a deal will soon be struck, and believe the transfer could be completed by Monday.

The Catalans have been looking to land a defensive midfielder on a short-term contract to cover for long-term injury victims Thiago Motta and Edmilson.

Their primary target was Alessio Tacchinardi of Juventus, but they switched their sights to Albertini when Juve blocked the move.