Football news - Barcelona sign Kevin-Prince Boateng on loan

The former Tottenham, Portsmouth and Milan forward has agreed a surprise loan switch to the Camp Nou from Italian club Sassuolo.

The initial deal will apparently cost Barcelona around €2million (£1.8m) with another €8m due if Barca want to land the 15-times capped Ghana international on a permanent contract.

Barcelona believe the player will add versatility to their squad.

"Born in Berlin on 6 March 1987, Kevin-Prince Boateng is a player who will surely adapt quickly to the team," said Barcelona on their official website. "With experience of playing in four of the biggest leagues in Europe, the Premier League, the Bundesliga, Serie A and La Liga, he is a man who has scored goals wherever he has been.

"Furthermore, Boateng is a player who versatile to a fault. During his time with Las Palmas with Quique Setién as coach he played as an out and out striker, a typical number ‘9’. However, he is also able to play further back as he did at AC Milan, scoring twice against Barça in his time with the rossoneri. His ability to bring people into the game means he is excellent at playing behind the main striker."

Prince Boateng, 31, will replace Munir El Haddadi after his move to Sevilla.

Catalan radio RAC1 claimed Prince-Boateng said his goodbyes to his Sassuolo team-mates on Monday.

Boateng has netted four times in 13 Serie A games for his side this season.