Spanish media reports put the price of the Brazil defender's transfer between 29 and 32 million (US$46-51 million) with up to 6 million (US$9.5 million) more to come in incentives. The 25-year-old was ready to sign a five-year deal.

Sevilla reportedly acquired 30 percent of the rights to Mallorca left-back Fernando Navarro, who is at Euro 2008 with Spain.

It is Barcelona's fourth defensive signing and second this week since it finished third in the Spanish league 18 points behind champion Real Madrid. It paid Villarreal 16.5 million (US$25.5 million) on Wednesday for Uruguay Under-21 defender Martin Caceres.

The Catalans had already acquired defender Gerard Pique from Manchester United and Mali midfielder Seydou Keita of Sevilla.

New coach Pep Guardiola signed a two-year contract to replace Frank Rijkaard after the club's worst finish in five years