Barcelona's Halilovic close to joining Valencia on loan

Valencia is in prime position to sign Barcelona youngster Alen Halilovic on loan for the upcoming season, according to the Croatian's agent.

Zoran Stojadinovic revealed on Spanish radio that Barcelona and Valencia have held productive talks over Halilovic, who spent the 2015-16 campaign with Sporting Gijon.

Halilovic, 19, was part of the Gijon squad that staved off relegation, and Barcelona is looking to find another place for him to continue his development.

"My understand is that it was a long conversation and they are close to signing an pre-agreement," Stojadinovic told Esports COPE, according to ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan.

Barcelona signed Halilovic from Dinamo Zagreb in 2014 for an initial €2.2 million, but he has made just one senior appearance for the Blaugrana.

He recorded three goals and five assists this season - his first full La Liga campaign - finishing behind only Neymar and Lionel Messi in dribbles completed.

Spanish reports indicate Barca could offer to sell Halilovic, although any deal would have to include a buyback clause, much like Real Madrid's situation with Alvaro Morata and Juventus.