Abidal To Complete Barca Move Next Week?
Reports coming out of France suggest that Barcelona could well complete the signing of Eric Abidal within the next week.
Having already wrapped up yet another Ligue 1 title, it is unerstood that Lyon want to start working torawds next season, and are keen to resolve the Abidal issue sooner than later.
The player has two years left on his contract, but Lyon have practically thrown in the towel, with president Jean Michel Aulas admitting: "I could offer him a contract for life, but I understand that his spell at Lyon is over."
Their focus now is on concluding negotiations quickly, so that Houllier can focus on players he wants to bring in.
Abidal himself has indicated that he wants to move to Spain, and while Valencia also seem to be interested, Barcelona are the ones who have been after him for a while.
Rijkaard is keen on a full-back with aerial presence, who can make himself count in both the boxes, and the French international fits the description perfectly.
However, it is understood that the Catalans are the ones who want to take it slow, so as to not unsettle players as the title race goes down to the wire. However, they are expected to negotiate next week to prevent other clubs from taking the lead.
Should a deal be reached, Barcelona will ask that it be kept under wraps for at least another six weeks. A sum in the range of 10-12 million euros is doing the rounds.
Goal.com
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