Spain winger Joaquin will finally cut his ties with Real Betis when he signs for Valencia on a five-year deal for €25 million, according to reports in Spain.

The 25-year-old, who did not train with Betis today, is expected to travel to Valencia later in the day to undergo a medical.

If the transfer goes through it will make him the second-most expensive Primera Liga signing of the close season behind Mali midfielder Mahamadou Diarra who joined Real Madrid from Olympique Lyon for €26 million last week.

Joaquin, who has won 42 caps for Spain and was part of the squad for the World Cup, graduated to the Betis first team from the reserves in 2000 when the club was in the second division and has been a leading figure ever since.

He has been coveted by clubs all over Europe, including Real and Liverpool, but recently renewed his contract with Betis until 2010.

However, after years of loyalty to the club he reiterated his desire to leave the club last week, pleading with them to listen to offers from other teams.

Valencia have also signed strikers Fernando Morientes and Francesco Tavano and left back Asier del Horno during the close season.

They qualified for the group stage of the Champions League on Tuesday after a 3-1 aggregate victory over Salzburg.

Valencia host Betis in the opening match of the Spanish league at the Mestalla on Saturday.