Barcelona: Ernesto Valverde set to replace Luis Enrique as coach of La Liga giants

Ernesto Valverde
Incoming boss Ernesto Valverde forged a successful career as a striker playing for Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona are expected to name former Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde as their new head coach on Monday.

Former Barca forward Valverde announced last week that he was leaving Athletic after four years in charge.

The 53-year-old will replace Luis Enrique, who revealed in March that he would leave the club at the end of his three-year contract.

Barcelona gave Enrique a winning send-off as they beat Alaves 3-1 to win the Copa del Rey on Saturday.

The club will hold a board meeting at 13:00 BST on Monday before President Josep Maria Bartomeu speaks to the media at 18:00 BST.

Valverde spent two seasons at Barcelona as a player from 1988-1990, scoring eight goals in 22 matches.

The Spaniard lead Athletic Bilbao to seventh place in La Liga this season, while Barcelona finished second behind Real Madrid.