Sergi Roberto is on the brink of signing a new contract with Barcelona.

Sport says Roberto, whose Barcelona contract expires on June 30, will sign a new deal with the club on Friday.

The signing has been delayed a few days due to president Joan Laporta's schedule, but will finally take place later this week.

Negotiations with the player have dragged on longer than expected and for a long time he looked set to leave the club. To get to a new deal, Roberto has had to agree to accept a much smaller salary, around 60% less than his current contract.

However, the pressure Xavi Hernandez put on the club to renew his deal for an additional year has proved decisive.

The Barça coach values his versatility - he can play right-back or in midfield - and his understanding of the way the team play positionally.