Barcelona will pull out of their bid to sign David Beckham unless they get a positive response from the England captain by the weekend.
The Spanish giants have agreed a deal with Manchester United to buy Beckham. But the player has so far distanced himself from the deal and has not yet held any talks with new Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
Laporta came to power on his pledge to bring Beckham to the Nou Camp, but the deal will be called off unless talks begin with the £30million sterling-rated midfielder.
Speaking this morning, Juan Jose Castillo, Laporta's press secretary, told said that plans were under way to arrange a meeting of Barcelona officials and Beckham or his advisers.
The last public announcement from Beckham's advisers said they have no plans to meet with Laporta. Beckham's representatives said he felt he had been used as a "political pawn" in the Barcelona presidential election.
Barcelona have given their deadline with speculation growing that Beckham would prefer a move to Real Madrid.
Real Madrid's sporting director Jorge Valdano, meanwhile, said last night that his club will not discuss Beckham until the Spanish season is completed, with Sunday's game against Athletic Bilbao the final game in the Primera Liga.
Beckham is thought to be interested in Madrid since they are in the Champions League whereas Barcelona will be limited to the UEFA Cup next season if results go their way this weekend.