Madrid: Valencia's left-back Jordi Alba has agreed to join Spanish giants FC Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.

Alba, who is out of contract with Valencia at the end of June 2013, has signed an agreement which commits him to joining the reigning Primera Liga champions when his current deal expires, Xinhua reported.

He is reported to have signed the agreement March 8th and will join Barcelona either this summer or the next.

Valencia are likely to agree to sell Alba at the end of the current campaign in order to recuperate some money for the player, rather than see him leave for nothing in June 2013.

Barcelona meanwhile need to sign a left sided defender given that their veteran French international, Eric Abidal is waiting for a liver transplant and will be out of action for an indefinite amount of time.

Adriano, who can provide cover on the left side of defence has suffered a series of muscle injuries this season, latest being in Barca's 5-3 win over Granada Tuesday night.

Should Alba leave Valencia as appears likely, he will be the latest in the line of the club's stars to abandon the Mestalla Stadium, following internationals such as David Silva, David Villa and Juan Mata, who have all left the club in recent seasons. (IANS)