Last Updated: Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:07
Barcelona have agreed a preliminary deal with Manchester City for Brazilian star Robinho, according to the Spanish press.
The 25-year-old, who has not played for City since August due to a stress fracture to his left leg, is close to full fitness and was expected to return to Mark Hughes' first-team plans in the near future. However talk of his desire to return to play in Spain for the Primera Liga and Champions League holders has been bubbling under the surface since the summer.
Following reports last week that officials from both clubs will meet on Tuesday to try and set up the transfer, a report in El Mundo Deportivo suggests a tentative agreement has already been agreed between the two parties.
The Catalan giants look set to take Robinho on a loan-to-buy deal which will see take over payment of his wages and then seal a deal next summer.
The report also claims Barca want to agree a deal before the tax rate for foreign players in Spain is increased dramatically from 24 per cent to 43 per cent which is being called the 'Beckham Law'.
It remains to be seen what City boss Mark Hughes' thoughts are on the potential sale of Robinho, but the Spanish media claim he views the player as a 'dispensable luxury'.