Southampton remain hopeful of completing the signing of Martin Caceres.
According to a report in the Daily Echo a decision on the 29-year-old’s work permit is expected this weekend.
Fears that Barcelona could hijack the deal appear to have eased although last night’s 4-0 defeat to Paris St Germain may cause a rethink.
Caceres is currently in Uruguay after the sudden death of his brother but is believed to be keen to get his Saints deal completed despite speculation over interest from Barcelona.
With Virgil van Dijk out injured and Jose Forte sold to West Ham the defensive partnership in the first half of the season is no longer available to Claude Puel.
On Friday Saints will head to Spain for a four day training stint to prepare for the EFL Final against Manchester United with Puel hopeful that Caceres will be on the trip and ready to resume his career after a 12 month break.