Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, has reportedly held direct talks with Williams to convince him to make the switch. After these talks, all parties now believe that a deal can be done.
According to reports, the Spain international has now informed his boyhood club, Athletic Club, of his intention to join Barcelona.
Athletic Club is not willing to make it easy for Barcelona, however. They are insisting that the La Liga champions pay the full transfer fee of €58 million upfront, rather than in instalments.
Considering Barcelona's ongoing financial difficulties, they may have to sell some players in order to make the deal happen.
