Deco poised for Barca switch

Portugal midfielder Deco was poised to sign a four-year deal with Barcelona today after undergoing a medical.

Barcelona's last trophy was the Spanish championship in 1999, but the Porto playmaker was upbeat on his arrival.

"I want to send a clear message to Barca fans," he said. "Have faith in me because I'm coming here to win things. I had other offers but playing for Barcelona has been a long-held dream."

Deco, 26, who was linked with Chelsea before Euro 2004, will cost Barcelona around £8million, plus Portugal winger Ricardo Quaresma in part exchange.