World Football: Daniel Alves Excited by Barca Deal

Daniel Alves has spoken of his delight amid speculation his switch to Barcelona has moved a step closer this weekend.

According to reports in Spain, Barca have agreed a deal to sign Alves from La Liga rivals Sevilla, with suggestions that the transfer will be officially confirmed on Monday.

The deal is thought to be worth 29.5 million euros, a price which could increase to as much as 35.5m euros if Alves helps Barca to league or Champions League success.

Alves is currently on international duty with Brazil, but when asked about his seemingly impending move to the Nou Camp, the flying full-back told Catalan radio station RAC-1:

"I am very happy that an agreement has been reached. It is a great motivation for you because it means that they have confidence in your work.

"I am an ambitious player. I hope that joining such an important club will allow me to win important things. Hopefully we can win titles."

The 25-year-old has spent four seasons with Sevilla since signing from Brazilian club Bahia in 2003.

His form in helping the club to back-to-back UEFA Cup triumphs in 2006 and 2007 resulted in him being linked with several of Europe's top clubs, and he appeared close to joining Chelsea last summer.

The signing of Alves continues a busy summer for Barcelona, who have already signed defenders Gerard Pique and Martin Caceres, as well as former Sevilla midfielder Seydou Keita.

Barca's squad overhaul comes following a second successive trophyless season, and Alves added: "When things are not going well, you need to know when to change things and they have seen that.

"I hope to return Barcelona to the place where they belong and never should have left, and I will go there with the highest hopes of success."

Andrea Pirlo has reportedly turned down a move to Chelsea from AC Milan while it is believed Portsmouth have launched a bid for Brazil's Marcelo Mattos.

Steve McClaren is hopeful of replacing Mark Hughes as manager of Blackburn Rovers and Xabi Alonso is flattered by the thought of moving to Juventus.

Aaron Ramsey's representative believes Ramsey will turn down Everton and Arsenal to complete a move to Manchester United.

Mark Hughes is set to rival Manchester United in a bid to land Blackburn's Santa Cruz.

Andrea Dossena is excited to move to Anfield while Blackburn have told Liverpool, they are not selling David Bentley.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in arranging a swap deal for Inter Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, it would see Robin Van Persie going the other way.

Manchester United have set their sights on Lyon's Karim Benzema and are hoping to match Lyon's demands.

If Cristiano Ronaldo does leave Manchester United, Robinho will arrive if he joins Real Madrid and Ronaldinho will come if he joins Barcelona.

There we have a review of the rumours around the World of Football.