Talks have stalled over a £2 million difference in the valuation of Milito, but Laporta is confident of clinching an agreement after speaking personally with Zaragoza president Agapito Iglesias yesterday.

Barca vice-president Ferran Soriano already has agreed personal terms with Milito, but his offer of £10 million - plus another £2 million based on success - falls short of the £15 million Iglesias is seeking.

However, Iglesias is willing to be flexible if Barca are prepared to drop their bonus payment regarding success [trophies won] and base it on appearances. Laporta, meanwhile, knows he remains in a strong position after Juventus dropped out of the running last week in order to agree terms with Deportivo La Coruna for Jorge Andrade.