Favourite for Barcelona job edges closer to Camp Nou

According to reports in Spain from Mundo Deportivo, Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde has made his intentions to leave the club in the summer known to President Josu Urrutia.

The 53-year old has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Luis Enrique at the helm at Camp Nou this summer, and the latest rumours suggest that his appointment in Barcelona could be imminent.

It is believed that Athletic Club are keen for Valverde to stay in Bilbao but the manager, who played for Barca briefly, is understandably tempted by the draw of the Catalan club.

The former Spain international is in his second stint as Athletic boss, rejoining the club in 2013 after short spells with the likes of Valencia, Olympiakos (twice) and Villarreal, with this current tenure in the Basque country representing his longest spell in any managerial position.

He won the Supercopa de Espana against Barcelona in 2015 and is on track to guide the club to a Europa League return, with his side currently in sixth, boasting the third best home record in Spain.