Dalian Aerbin close in on Keita

Dalian Aerbin owner Zhao Mingyang claims Seydou Keita is on the verge of moving to the club from Barcelona.

Barca confirmed on Saturday the 32-year-old had decided to leave Catalunya, with widespread reports linking the former Sevilla man to a two-and-a-half-year deal with Chinese outfit Aerbin.

And Zhao confirmed a deal for the Malian midfielder was close, with head coach Li Ming in Barcelona discussing the switch.

“We have talked a whole day (Saturday), and it is nearly confirmed. We are waiting on Li Ming’s final message (on Sunday),” Zhao told reporters.

Zhao refuted rumours claiming Keita would earn 14 million euros per season, clarifying that sum would be the approximate total of his entire contract.

According to Zhao, Keita will arrive in China on July 15, a day after the club’s local derby against Dalian Shide.