Yerry Mina, closer and closer to Barcelona

Barcelona are close to agreeing a deal to sell Javier Mascherano to Hebei Fortune in China and have decided to advance the signing of Palmeiras defender Yerry Mina. In the coming days a club delegation will head to Brazil with the objective of sealing the transfer. Both sides want to complete the deal and Barcelona think he's the best option on the market to reinforce the team after the Jefecito leaves.

The doubt was whether Mina would be ready to perform immediately or not. Robert Fernandez, Barcelona's sporting director, met with the player a couple of weeks ago to inform him of the club's desire to use their option to buy on him of nine million euros and sign him after the Russia World Cup. The idea was he would train with the first team over the summer and later it could be decided if he would stay or go on loan. However Mascherano's unscripted departure has changed the situation.

Thomas Vermaelen's good performance have given the club hope he can be the replacement for Mascherano, with Mina stepping in as No 4. Barca have contacted Palmeiras to advise them of their intentions and asked for a meeting before Christmas. CEO Oscar Grau will go with Fernandez, and they will be accompanied by Barcelona's man in Brazil, Andre Cury. 

NINE MILLION AND A COMPENSATION

Barcelona will pay the nine million agreed and also a compensation fee for taking him now rather than in the summer. Palmeiras will ask for six or seven million more to make the transfer effective immediately, something Barcelona want to negotiate down.

There is optimism at the club because relations are good. They can pay towards the deal with the money they get from Mascherano. Mina will sign a long deal of five years, with Barcelona trusting in him.

It's possible they'll use him as the fourth defender for the rest of the season then loan him out, with lots of European sides interested, so he can get more experience.