Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said striker Sergio Aguero is close to agreeing a deal to join Barcelona.
Aguero is set to leave at the end of the season as a free agent after City’s Champions League final against Chelsea on Saturday.
The 32-year-old signed off from the Premier League in perfect style on Sunday, scoring twice as the champions finished with a 5-0 win over Everton.
Speaking afterwards, former Barcelona manager Guardiola revealed City’s record goalscorer is on the verge of joining Argentina team-mate Lionel Messi in Spain.
“Maybe I reveal a secret. Maybe he is close to agreeing a deal for the club of my heart – for Barcelona,” Guardiola told Match of the Day.
“He is going to be playing alongside the best player of all time, Messi.”
Barcelona, who won three La Liga and two Champions League titles under Guardiola, came third in La Liga this season, finishing seven points behind champions Atletico Madrid and five behind Real Madrid.
Ronald Koeman’s side were also knocked out at the last-16 stage of the Champions League when losing to Paris Saint-Germain.
“I’m pretty sure he is going to enjoy,” Guardiola added. “And maybe Barcelona are stronger and stronger with him on the pitch.”