Barcelona president urges star player to snub Manchester United transfer

Posted by

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has urged Manchester United target Dani Alves to stay at the Camp Nou beyond this season, reports the Daily Express.

SEE MORE
Manchester United transfer news
Manchester United eye stunning swoop to sign £80m Premier League trio, including Arsenal target
Manchester United table bid £60.6m to re-sign former player

The 32-year-old’s contract with the Catalan club ends in July, and due to their transfer ban the Blaugranas would be unable to replace him until at least next January. This tied to the fact he is vitally important to the team, making 45 appearances this season with the Champions League final still to come, has made them desperate to keep the right-back.

Bartomeu said: “We have presented Alves with a renewal offer of respect toward him. He already knows it, but the decision is his. If you ask for my opinion, I would say ‘sign it’ because it is a good contract with Barcelona, which I consider to be the best club.”

However, the Brazil international hasn’t signed a new deal as of yet, and he does have other options on the table. The Red Devils are reportedly interested in him after a campaign in which they have relied on Antonio Valencia at full-back. The Ecuadorian has been playing ahead of Rafael despite naturally being a winger, and as a result manager Louis van Gaal will surely want to bring in a better option.

After qualifying for the Champions League last time out, the 63-year-old will now want to push on challenge on the extra front as well as domestically. Bringing in players of Alves’ calibre during the transfer window could be key to this.

More Stories Dani Alves Josep Maria Bartomeu