FC Barcelona Transfers: Spain U-21 Left Back Jose Angel to Join Barça

Cadena Ser (which, at the moment, seems to have the inside scoop on all things Barça this offseason) has assured that FC Barcelona is closing in on the signature of 21-year-old Sporting Gijon left back Jose Angel Valdes for around €4 million. 

Jose Angel has also been a regular in all of Spain's youth teams. 

He seems to have been scouted by the Catalans throughout the season, and Pep Guardiola has given the green light for him to be Barça's left back for the coming years. This probably rules out any move for a world-class player on the left like Gareth Bale and also spells the end for Maxwell's career at Camp Nou.

The bad side of this note is that Sporting Gijon seems to want one of La Masia's stars to go the other way with Marc Bartra, Marc Muniesa and Andreu Fontas' names being thrown around. It is not specified if they will move on loan or on a permanent transfer, but one wouldn't expect Guardiola to trade one of his up-and-coming stars and still pay €4 million. 

Jose Angel is the attacking-minded back and technically refined player Barça likes to employ as a side back. He played as a midfielder when he was younger and is very comfortable with the ball on his feet. 

The deal should be finalized in the coming hours. 

Editor's Note: You can find an English report of the signing via goal.com here.