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Barcelona could be set to lose a crucial piece of their team after reports emerged from Catalunya that Javier Mascherano has agreed a deal with Juventus.

Local newspaper Mundo Deportivo had suggested on Wednesday morning that the Argentina international, who was brilliant for Barca as they won the double, was mulling over his future as the Nou Camp club searched for a big-money central defender.

But rivals SPORT have gone one further, breaking the news of "an agreement in principle" for Mascherano to move to the Serie A champions.

Mascherano, who is known within the club as el jefecito (the little boss) for his manner and leadership qualities, has been a key part of the Barcelona team that has won seven of nine competitions entered under Luis Enrique.

After arriving from Liverpool as a defensive midfielder, the Argentina international has converted himself into one of the world's best central defenders but was reportedly concerned by Barca's pursuit of Marquinhos as a big-money addition.

(Image: AFP/Getty)

Worryingly for Barca, in a move which could potentially leave the Liga champions without both their starting centre-back and their first-choice summer target.

The 31-year-old has reportedly agreed a three-year deal, in principle, with Juve.

But with contact yet to be made between the two clubs, The Old Lady face an uphill battle to convince Barcelona to sell a key member of their first team during a summer where they have already missed out on a number of top defensive targets.

With Barcelona already facing a backlog of players expecting new, improved deals - Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Ivan Rakitic - it could be that Mascherano has jumped the queue.