Yaya Toure's agent claims his client will be playing in England next season, with a deal already agreed.
The Barcelona midfielder's representative has refused to state with which club an agreement has been struck, but the Ivorian has been strongly linked with Manchester City of late.
The Blues, who already boast Toure's brother Kolo on their books, are believed to be leading the race for his signature, keen to add some much-needed steel in the centre of the park.
The Barca ace has, however, attracted interest from Manchester United and Arsenal in the past, so it is far from certain that he will be turning out at Eastlands next season.
"If everything goes well, Yaya will go to England," Toure's agent, Dimitri Seluk, told Ona FM .
"But we can't talk about definite clubs. We already have a closed deal, and all will be resolved before the World Cup."
Toure joined Barca from Monaco in 2007 and quickly became an integral part of their side, patrolling the area in front of the back four.
Price tagHe has landed six major trophies during his time at Camp Nou, but has fallen down the pecking order over recent seasons.
Some reports have suggested that he could be used as a makeweight in Barca's protracted efforts to lure Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas back to Catalunya.
That may provide his best route out of the Primera Liga giants, as an asking price of around €36million (Ј30m) could scare off some potential suitors.
Seluk added: "It seems to me too much money. His club have shown they want him to leave, it's not normal that they're asking for this amount.
"If (Barca president Joan Laporta) likes Toure so much, he could have explained why he didn't play so much.
"This year we haven't spoken to him even one time, and if he leaves it's because that was lacking."
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