The Catalans have opened talks with their Primera Liga rivals, who were often reluctant to sell their star player.

But this time it seems that the move could be completed soon.

"Negotiations are progressing well especially in the case of Villa," Barca vice-chairman Rafael Yuste told Catalonian radio station Ona FM.

Villa, who netted 21 Liga goals for Los Ches last term, is also targeted by big-spenders Real Madrid; Barca's bitter rivals.