Barcelona Transfer News: Latest on Lionel Messi Contract, Aleix Vidal Rumours

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has insisted he wants Lionel Messi to stay at the club "forever" and is confident the forward will sign a new contract.

The 29-year-old's deal at the Camp Nou is set to expire in 2018, which has left some tied to the Catalan club a little edgy over Messi's long-term future. However, the Barca chief did his best to settle the nerves of worried Blaugrana fans.

"Both sides are keen to continue," Bartomeu told Sport. "On Leo's side, to continue in Barcelona; and on Barca's side, that Leo continues."

He added: 

"

Messi is the best player in the world and we will reach an agreement and he will continue because he's still very young. He's 29 and his performances are at the top level and he will continue here for many more years.

I don't think it's inconvenient for him to continue here forever. Well, until he retires from football.

"

Miquel Benitez/Getty Images

While it's difficult to imagine Messi donning the colours of any other club, speculation about his future as a Barcelona player has been ramped up as of late. According to Carlos Carpio of Marca, the forward is taking time to consider his options and will decide whether to sign a new contract at the end of the campaign.

If he didn't, that would be an enormous blow to all tied to the Liga champions as Messi, in the eyes of many, is the finest player in world football. Per Squawka Football, although the Argentina international didn't beat Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo to the Ballon d'Or this year, he's still been tremendous in 2016:

Needless to say, it's imperative Barcelona keep hold of him and remarkable they have let such an important player run down his contract so much. Should these negotiations drag out until the summer and Messi has less than a year remaining, pulses will surely start to race at the Camp Nou.

The man himself continues to look content in Catalonia and is clearly enjoying his time on the field alongside Neymar and Luis Suarez. However, Blaugrana fans will only begin to breathe easier once he's tied down for the long term.

Swansea City Want Aleix Vidal

Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

According to Danny Lee of ESPN FC, Swansea City want to hand Aleix Vidal a way out of Barcelona in the January transfer window.

It's suggested Swans boss Bob Bradley wants to add some defensive options to his squad midseason after a terrible recent run.

Vidal is said to appeal to the American coach as "he would bring some experience to the defence and Barcelona are reportedly prepared to let him leave to get first-team football."

This season has been one to forget for the former Sevilla man, with Sergi Roberto stepping in to fill the void left by Barca's longstanding right-back Dani Alves; as a result, Vidal has made just one appearance in the league this term.

However, it's arguable the 27-year-old has been somewhat harshly treated. Per Spanish football journalist Sergi Dominguez, his positive performances have not been rewarded:

While his sale would leave Barca without a natural senior option at right-back, for the sake of his own career, a move would be the best option for Vidal in the winter window.

With Sevilla, he was a relentless presence on the flank as both a right-back and a right-sided midfield player, offering a key outlet as the team lifted the 2014-15 UEFA Europa League.

Vidal will still feel as though he can rediscover those levels, and a club like Swansea would give him the opportunity to play himself back into form.