Barca expect Alves to pen deal

Barca expect Alves to pen deal

Published Jan. 31, 2011 1:41 p.m. ET

Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta is confident Dani Alves will sign a new contract with the club.

Alves' current deal expires in 2012 and speculation has suggested Barca could be prepared to listen to offers.

Reports have also surfaced linking Ajax right-back Gregory van der Wiel with a move to Camp Nou as a possible replacement.

However, Alves' agent played down the transfer talk last week and Zubizarreta has now spoken about how negotiations over a contract extension are progressing.

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Discussions were thought to have stalled and Zubizarreta admits there are still obstacles to be overcome.

However, the Barca official maintains that Alves is happy at the club and expects the matter to be resolved.

"The negotiations will be slow," Zubizarreta told Hat Trick Barca. "It is not all about money. The club wants to recognise the real value of the player but this is not easy.

"Talks are advancing and I can say that Alves I not unhappy at the club.

"Dani Alves has not received offers from other clubs."

Zubizarreta also reassured supporters that manager Pep Guardiola would be remaining in charge at Barcelona.

"Barca are not studying any other names for the bench," he said. "We are not under pressure because I am convinced Pep will not leave the club."

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