Japan's Jubilo Iwata are weighing up a move for Barcelona midfielder Edmilson, who is unlikely to renew his contract at the Nou Camp.

Jubilo, Japanese champions in 1997, 1999 and 2002, are in danger of relegation after suffering a third successive J-League defeat at the weekend and have identified the Brazilian as a potential saviour.

"He's one of the players we have short-listed," Jubilo said. "The holding midfield role is a high priority position for us."

Jubilo are reportedly preparing to offer Edmilson a multi-year deal worth around 1.5 million euros (£1.2 million) a year.

The versatile 31-year-old, who helped Brazil win the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, has also been linked with a move to Villarreal.

Reports have suggested he has undergone a medical with Villarreal and will sign a two-year deal with the club who finished as runners-up to Real Madrid in this season's title race.

Formerly of Sao Paulo and Lyon, he helped Barcelona win the Champions League two years ago but withdrew from his country's 2006 World Cup squad with a knee injury.

Reuters