Liverpool transfer news: Daniel Agger closing in on Barcelona move as Xavi plans to stay

Reds centre-back looks set to leave Anfield after Lovren arrival on Merseyside

Daniel Agger (Getty Images)

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is nearing a move to La Liga giants Barcelona after a £12m fee was reportedly agreed between the two clubs.

While Spanish media suggest a deal could be completed within a week, talks are only thought to be in the preliminary stages.

The Denmark international has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Catalan club over the previous two years and it now looks likely to happen after Dejan Lovren's arrival at Anfield.

The former Southampton star became the third player to join the Reds from St. Mary's after Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert joined Brendan Rodgers' squad last month.

New Barca manager Luis Enrique is seeking a replacement for long-serving centre-back Carlos Puyol after the club's former captain retired last season.

Elsewhere, according to the Daily Mail, Xavi has decided to initially remain at the Nou Camp despite rumours suggesting he is looking for a new challenge elsewhere.

The 34-year-old is expected to sign for new MLS franchise New York City in the coming twelve months, however, and join Frank Lampard and former teammate David Villa in the United States.

Rodgers, the Liverpool boss, has also been handed a huge boost in his ambitious pursuit of Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus after the German international reportedly rejected a new contract with the Bundesliga club.

The attacking-midfielder, who missed the World Cup through injury, has a contract with Dortmund until 2017 but Jurgen Klopp's side are concerned that the £27m release clause could be met this summer.