Football Transfer Rumours - Barcelona set to confirm Sanchez deal

According to reports from Spain, Barcelona are set to seal a deal for Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez, beating off competition from Manchester clubs, United and City.

The deal is understood to be around the region of £32 million and Sanchez, who is currently with Chile for the Copa America, is expected to fly to Nou Camp to complete proceedings.

It also marks a great piece of business from Udinese as the 22-year-old had joined the Italian club for £1.7 million in 2006. He was loaned out to Argentine club River Plate in the following season, but an impressive 2010-11 season saw him scoring 12 goals helping Udinese into next season's Champions League.

During the week, both Manchester clubs were touted as favorites to sign him as Barca's interest was said to have waned. Inter Milan and Juventus were also linked with Sanchez as was Chelsea, making him one of the most wanted players in the transfer window. However, according to reports, Barcelona have won the race to sign him after offering £25 million, which could go up a further £7 million as performance-based incentive.

Interestingly, Sanchez's agent Fernando Felicevich said in Twitter,Everything's gone fine until now, said the pig with the apple in his mouth - when describing the Barcelona talks. He had made a similar tweet when one of his other clients, Gary Medel, signed for Sevilla last season.

The news comes as blow to the top 5 of the Premier League, including Tottenham, who were all interested in the player.