Former Barcelona captain links up with Cesc Fabregas at Serie A new boys

Former Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto is set to join a new club in before the end of August.

Roberto's Barcelona contract expired at the end of June, and despite hope of the defender re-signing with his boyhood club, the call was eventually made to move on.

With Barcelona still looking to balance a delicate financial situation in Catalonia, removing Roberto's salary from their roster was a key target, to facilitate new arrivals.

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Despite initial speculation over the 32-year-old staying in Spain, he is now on course to join Cesc Fabregas at Serie A side Como.

Fabregas has spoken to his former teammate about a reunion in Italy, and as per the latest from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a deal is close to completion.

The pair won a La Liga title together at Barcelona in 2012/13 and Fabregas is looking to add experience to his squad for the campaign ahead.

Fabregas formally stepped up from assistant coach to first team boss at Como over the summer after leading the club to a first top-flight promotion in 21 years.