Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa says he is close to completing his move to Real Madrid.
"At present I am only focused on Liverpool but it is true that [the deal] is nearly completed," he said. "As I understand, it seems everything is going well and there is little left to resolve.
"It could all be sorted out this week
BACK TO THE BERNABEU ... Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa wants to rejoin Real Madrid
The Liverpool defender, 26, was a youth player at the Spanish giants.
He made a couple of first-team appearances before moving to Deportivo La Coruna and then on to Anfield in 2007 for £2.6million.
Reports in Spain suggest he has already agreed personal terms with his former club and that Liverpool have accepted a bid of £3.5m.
And Arbeloa, whose club and country compatriot Xabi Alonso is also wanted by Madrid, believes the last few details will be finalised this week.
The Spanish international said: "At the moment I am focused on Liverpool but it is true that the deal is close to being completed.
"We'll see what happens in the next few days. If we can all make an effort so the negotiations come to a good end, we will all come out having benefited, which is what everyone wants.
"I insist everything is going forward and everyone is in agreement — I am the one who has the most desire to sign for Madrid.
"I don't know what the likelihood is in percentages, it's a question more for the clubs.
"But, as I understand, it seems everything is going well and there is little left to resolve.
"It could all be sealed this week."
bye then
Liverpool have agreed a fee with Real Madrid to sell right-back Alvaro Arbeloa to the Spanish club.
The move is subject to a medical and worth about £3.5m to the Reds who signed the 26-year-old for £2.6m from Deportivo la Coruna in January 2007.
Spain international Arbeloa had one year left on his Liverpool deal and could have left for free next summer.
Glen Johnson's arrival at Anfield this summer paved the way for boss Rafael Benitez to sell Arbeloa.
More to follow.