Rodrigo Palacio to Barca?

Reports in the Spanish press suggest that Catalan giants FC Barcelona have agreed a deal with Argentine powerhouse Boca Juniors to sign striker Rodrigo Palacio.

Palacio is 26 years of age and is one of the best players in South America to have never ventured out of his native Argentina. He has long been touted to move to Europe but he has preferred to stay in Argentine until now.

Spanish sports daily AS reports that Barca and Boca have settled on a € 17million transfer fee and that the player is to sign a four year contract with the Blaugrana. Rodrigo Palacio was originally slated to join Barcelona last summer but the move fell off after Barca decided to sign French international striker Thierry Henry from Arsenal.

This time though, reports AS, the deal has finally be agreed upon by both sides. If indeed the reports are true and with foundation, then Palacio shall become the first player to be signed under Barcelona’s new regime under incoming coach Josep Guardiola.

The deal is expected to be completed as early as next week but the player shall remain at Boca Juniors until the end of the Argentine Clausura and Copa Libertadores campaign and shall join Barcelona at the srart of the 2008-2009 La Liga season.

A massive renovation is anticipated to rock the Camp Nou this summer with as many as ten players to be booted out of the club and several new faces drafted in. Barcelona suffered a second successive trophy barren season this time which has coach Frank Rijkaard his job at the club next season.