Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez looks set to finally put pen to paper on a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2012, after revealing that an agreement is close.

Marquez's renewal has dragged on in recent weeks, with suggestions that he may look to finish his career in the United States, but it now appears that he will remain at Barca until he is 33-years-old.

"For me there is no problem, there are no questions, but on both sides what we want has almost been defined," he told a press conference.

It is understood that one of the key stumbling blocks in recent weeks was the length of the extension, but Marquez has revealed that he will remain at Camp Nou "for this season and two more", and added that he is glad to have "at least three years with the elite" after six seasons at Barca.

In regards to his fitness, Marquez believes it is not that far away and that he will continue working until he is 100 per cent fit.

"Little by little I feel better, but I will continue working until I reach my peak," he declared.