Toure set to sign new Barcelona deal

The 26-year-old defensive midfielder - who played in the centre of defence for the Catalans' crucial Champions League ties against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Manchester United in Rome - has made 51 la Liga appearances for the club since arriving from Monaco in 2007, and played a pivotal role in Barca's unprecedented treble success last season.

The Ivory Coast international is now believed to be a a target for Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal, who already possess Yaya's older brother Kolo, and are in need of several experienced players to help compliment their vast ranks of talented starlets.

However, all three English outfits are expected to be left disappointed during the close-season, with Toure's representative Dmitri Seluk dismissing talk of a transfer for his client.

"He is very happy at Barca and in the city," he said in Spanish publication Sport.

"The atmosphere within the club is excellent and the team is marvellous and for those reasons he wants to stay and we should have a deal done this week."

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