Top 14

Top 14 final heading to Barcelona

ESPN Staff

A record 80,174 spectators saw the 2014 final ... that number could be dwarfed by a capacity crowd in Barcelona © Getty Images Enlarge

French rugby authorities are in negotiations with Barcelona FC to stage the 2016 Top 14 final at the iconic Camp Nou.

French newspaper Midi Olympique said that originally the city's Olympic Stadium had been discussed as a possible venue but its capacity of 55,000 ruled it out. Talks have been held with the Camp Nou's owners over the past six months and are at an advanced stage. Its capacity of 98,000 gives it an advantage over the other reported choice, Twickenham, which can hold 80,000.

The move abroad has been caused by football's Euro 2016 which means that the Stade de France and other major venues will not be available at the time the Top 14 final is staged.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd