Roma central defender Christian Chivu is in talks with Barcelona over a move to the Nou Camp, the Italian side have confirmed.

AS Roma sporting director Daniele Prade has confirmed that he has held talks with Barça's vice-president Ferran Soriano and sporting director Txiki Begiristain.

"It was a positive meeting, although only a preliminary one," said Prade.

"There are no reasons to be optimistic or pessimistic and we will meet with them again next week.

"They are a serious outfit and are interested in the player, but they have not presented an official offer."

It is thought the club see Chivu as a perfect player to help reinforce the central defence alongside captain Carles Puyol, who will miss the start of next season due to a knee injury he picked up in South Africa earlier this week.

The move for Chivu will see the club pay the Roman side 12million euros plus Ludovic Giuly and Champions League final hero Juliano Belletti or left-back Sylvinho.

More news from SportingLife.com