Barcelona have reportedly moved to the brink of completing a deal for Los Angeles Galaxy defender Julian Araujo.
During the final days of the January transfer window, it became known that the Catalan giants were keen to secure the signing of the 21-year-old.
However, despite it being expected that a transfer would materialise on deadline day, Barcelona failed to provide confirmation of the arrival.
In the hours and days afterwards, it emerged that a move had to be scrapped due to the La Liga leaders missing the deadline by 18 seconds.
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Sporting director Mateu Alemany stated that a computer error was to blame, but FIFA remained firm with its view that a transfer could not be finalised despite Barcelona's appeal.
As a result, it was felt that Barcelona would not reignite discussions until the end of the season, aware that Araujo cannot act as deputy to the first team during 2023-24.
Nevertheless, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, discussions between the relevant parties have since resumed, leading to a positive resolution.
Romano says that an agreement has been reached regarding the financial package for Araujo, said to be just below the €4m (£3.56m) mark.
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The Mexico international is also ready to sign a contract until 2026, and he will try to impress the coaching staff over the coming months.
Araujo is due to travel to Barcelona over the next 24 hours and the deal is expected to be confirmed in the hours after his arrival.
Should the switch be finalised, Araujo will depart Los Angeles Galaxy having made 109 appearances for the MLS side, contributing two goals and 14 assists.
Eleven of those assists came during the past two league seasons having established himself as first choice on the right-hand side of defence.
Darren Plant
