Keita underwent a routine medical on Friday and is awaiting an agreement between the clubs, with Barcelona hoping to clinch the deal later Friday.

Sevilla expects Barcelona to pay the 14 million (US$22 million) buyout clause attached to the Mali international's contract, which has three years to run.

Keita enjoyed an impressive first season in Spain after arriving from Lens nearly a year ago. Acting as a midfield lynchpin, he also scored several spectacular long-range goals.

The 27-year-old would be Barcelona's first new signing since it announced this month the replacement of coach Frank Rijkaard by reserve team coach Pep Guardiola in a reaction to its second straight season without a trophy.

Barcelona finished third in the league - its worst placing for five years - and was knocked out in the Champions League semifinals by eventual winner Manchester United.

Barcelona is also expected to sign Manchester United defender Gerard Pique for a reported fee of 5 million (US$8 million).

Pique, who plays for Catalonia in a friendly with Argentina's Olympic team on Saturday, said Friday negotiations are "very advanced."

Defensive midfielder Edmilson left for Villarreal on Friday to begin what is expected to be an exodus of players, likely to include Ronaldinho and Deco and perhaps Samuel Eto'o, all of whom were key players when Barcelona won the 2006 Champions League.

AC Milan is reportedly interested in signing Ronaldinho and Eto'o together with fullback Gianluca Zambrotta.