MADRID (AFP) - Spanish giants Barcelona are close to signing Sevilla's Danish international midfielder Christian Poulsen next season, Spanish media reported on Friday.

Sports daily AS, as well as Punto Radio and Catalan television station TV3, said agreement has been reached between the club and the 28-year-old but approval was still needed from Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido.

The player would replace Brazilian Jose Edmilson whose contract expires at the end of the season and is not expected to be renewed, AS reported.

Poulsen has been a regular for Sevilla since he arrived at the Spanish first division side in 2006 on a free transfer after his contract with German team Schalke 04 expired.