Barcelona are reportedly moving closer to signing Manchester City star Robinho on loan.

Sport claim that there has been further contact between the two clubs in the last few hours as they look to reach an agreement that will see the Brazilian sign for the Blaugrana on loan for the rest of the season.

The Spanish club are not keen on protracted negotiations and are aiming to seal the deal within three weeks, long before the winter transfer window opens and their contingent of African players leave for their continental championship.

Sport also believe that relations are currently strained between Citizens boss Mark Hughes and Robinho. The manager is apparently still unhappy with the Brazilian's frequently-expressed desire to leave and has given the go-ahead for the transfer to take place.

Barcelona are ready to pay €3.2m to take the former Real Madrid man on loan for six months, with a set price of €35m to make the transfer permanent in the summer.