[bandini]

Alves to sign with Barca

The Brazilian full-back has made his intention to leave the Andalucian club clear a year after being refused a lucrative transfer to join Chelsea and has taken the first step out of Sevilla, according to Sport.

While Alves may have agreed to a switch to Camp Nou, however, he is not free to just walk away from Sevilla and will be reliant on Barça negotiating a fee.

Last summer both Chelsea and Real Madrid were reported to have made huge offers for his services, but president José Maria del Nido turned both clubs down.

It was Del Nido's refusal to even discuss a transfer 12 months ago tat has caused Alves to make the first move this time around as he did not understand how José Antonio Reyes, Julio Baptista and Sergio Ramos could leave, but not him.

Sevilla asked Chelsea for between €35 and €40m, yet when an offer of €36m was received the club still said no and that led to a public spat between Alves and the president.

Barça had made ensuring that the player wanted to join them a priority and this agreement will bolster confidence that next season can bring a new look to the side.

Alves is rumoured to be the first of four big-name signings that the Blaugrana are set to approach as they are ready to splash €100m on new players.

This move will also open the door for Gianluca Zambrotta to move to Milan.

source: Goal.com - English football - football gossip - football transfers - football scores