Valverde to take over Barcelona?

Spanish media outlet El Correo reported on Sunday that Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde has agreed to succeed Luis Enrique at Barcelona next season.

The daily added that Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu had already informed the squad of the decision to appoint the 53-year-old, who spent two season at the Nou Camp as a player from 1998-1990.

The report stated that the deal was almost sealed and that it was now merely a case of hammering out the small print on what is expected to be a two-year deal.

It also claimed that there was a bilateral clause in the agreement, permitting either party to pull of the agreement before May 31.

That would allow Barcelona to keep their options open in case a high-profile manager becomes available, but it is not expected that the clause will be activated.