Liverpool full-back Alvaro Arbeloa claims he is close to finalising his anticipated move to Real Madrid.
Arbeloa has been linked with a move to Real throughout the summer with his chances at Liverpool likely to be more limited this season following the signing of Glen Johnson.
Real, who are also chasing Arbeloa's team-mate Xabi Alonso, are keen to increase the number of Spaniards in their squad following the big-money arrivals of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
A £4.5million fee for Arbeloa has been mooted and the Spain international believes talks over a move to Real are making positive progress.
"At present I am only focused on Liverpool, but it is true that (the deal) is nearly completed," Arbeloa told Marca.
"As I understand, it seems everything is going well and there is little left to resolve.
"It could all be sorted out this week."
Arbeloa has made almost 100 appearances for Liverpool since joining the Premier League club from Deportivo La Coruna in January 2007.
He signed for Deportivo from Real, having failed to make an impact in his first spell at the Bernabeu after playing in the youth team for current Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.
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Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa could make a £4.5million return to Real Madrid in the next few days, according to the player's agent.
The Spaniard was linked with a switch to the Bernabeu earlier in the summer but rumours had died down.
However, Arbeloa's representative, Manuel Garcia Quilon, remains in discussions with the Primera Liga giants and expects a conclusion by the start of next week.
Quilon told The Sun: "Discussions with Real are not over and I expect a solution early next week."
Real sporting director Jorge Valdano has also confirmed that the 26-year-old, who played for the club in 2004-5, remains a transfer target.
Valdano said: "Arbeloa is a basic part of our plans."
Arbeloa has one year remaining on his contract at Anfield and faces a fight for a first-team place on Merseyside following the arrival of Glen Johnson.
