Chivu's signing has become a priority for Barca following a serious ankle injury suffered by skipper Carles Puyol. The defender is expected to miss the start of next season due to the injury.

Meanwhile, Barca sports chief Txiki Begiristain and vice-president Ferran Soriano will be in Rome today for talks with the Italian giants about a fee for Chivu. Soriano is confident Roma won't demand too high a price for the Romanian, who has a year left on his existing deal.

Barca already have prepared a four-year contract offer to table to Chivu's agents once they agree terms with Roma.