Barcelona says midfielder Seydou Keita has told the club he wants to leave the team.

The Mali-born Keita is entering the final season of his contract. Barcelona did not say where Keita would be playing next, although Spanish media reports said he was close to signing with Chinese club Dalian Aerbin.

The 32-year-old defensive midfielder was part of the Catalan club's most successful run of form after joining from Sevilla in 2008. Barcelona went on to win 14 trophies over his four seasons.