Report: Barcelona step up Jeremy Mathieu interest

Barcelona are reportedly confident of concluding a deal for Valencia defender Jeremy Mathieu.

The 30-year-old, who has developed into one of the best centre-backs in Europe over the last couple of seasons, has been strongly linked with a move to the Camp Nou this summer.

Los Che have thus far been able to repel the interest, but according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have agreed personal terms with the defender and are hopeful of reaching an agreement with their La Liga rivals in the coming days.

Mathieu's release clause reportedly stands in the region of £30m.