Barcelona’s Argentina defender Javier Mascherano is on the verge of a £9 million move to Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune, according to Spanish press reports.

Mascherano, 33, has fallen down the pecking order at Barca under new coach Ernesto Valverde, making just made just 10 appearances in all competitions this season.

He has also been suffering from a hamstring injury.

Barcelona and Hebei Fortune have reached an agreement for Mascherano, although it will not take place until Samuel Umtiti has recovered from injury, Barcelona’s Daily Sport reported.

The French international center back is expected to be out until the end of January.

The Catalan giants also want to add another defender as cover before they agree to let Mascherano leave, the report added.

Colombian international Yerry Mina of Palmeiras, Chelsea’s David Luiz, and Manchester United’s Daley Blind are reportedly being considered as replacements.

 Mascherano has enjoyed huge success since joining Barca from Liverpool in the summer of 2010, winning four La Liga titles, four Copa del Reys, three Spanish Super Cups, two Champions League titles, two European Super Cups and two Club World Cups.