Pricey: Dani Alves (right) is the world's most
expensive right back, and could cost Chelsea or Manchester City a
cool £30m if he moves to the Premier League
Exasperated Barcelona officials have set a December 31
deadline to clinch a new contract with Chelsea
and Manchester
City target Dani Alves.
The champions of Spain know that the January transfer window
represents the last chance to get a big fee for the Brazil right
back if they are unable to reach an agreement with him.
Alves is out of contract in 2012 and has been keen to sign a new
deal since last year, when a raft of his team-mates were handed
hefty salary increases.
The club are reluctant to overextend themselves since new
president Sandro Rosell discovered the true extent of Barca's
debts, but Alves's agent won't settle for a cut-price deal.
'Dani is one of the best defenders in the world and the big
clubs desire his services,' said the agent Joaquin Macanas. 'We
only ask that Barca value him in reality for his work and
development during these years.'
Barca would seek £30million for the former Sevilla man in
January if they can't reach a compromise, which would leave Chelsea
biding their time.
Roberto Mancini would be interested in adding such a quality
right back to his Eastlands staff, but City don't want to be seen
as an easy touch in negotiations.