Barcelona Transfer News: Paulo Dybala Rumours, Latest on Darijo Srna

Juventus are reportedly poised to tie star forward Paulo Dybala to a new long-term contract in a blow to suitors Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The 23-year-old striker's improved deal, said to run until 2021, will not contain any release clause and Dybala will join Gonzalo Higuain as the highest-paid player at the club, according to Mirko Calemme of AS. It’s also suggested the Italian champions value Dybala at a staggering €200 million (£175 million).

Since joining Juventus from Palermo in the summer of 2015, Dybala has established himself as one of the game’s rising stars. Here’s a look at why so many are so excited about what he can achieve:

Part of the 2016-17 season has been disrupted for the player due to injury woes, although since he’s returned to the starting XI, the Argentina international has added a refreshing new dimension to the Juventus attack.

In the 3-2 win over Atalanta on Wednesday in the Coppa Italia, the forward was breathtaking, scoring one goal and making another. BT Sport’s James Horncastle summed up the standard that was on show from Dybala:

As noted by Calemme, there have been comparisons between the Juve man and Barca icon Lionel Messi in the past, and it’s no surprise whatsoever that the Catalan club has been tipped as a future destination for the player.

It’s a comparison Udinese icon Antonio Di Natale made earlier in the season, per Bleacher Report UK:

Dybala’s immediate future looks to be in Turin, although according to Calemme, Juve will be ready to cash in in 18 months' time. It’s stated that "Juventus will start to entertain offers for the striker after the World Cup in Russia next year, when the Turin club hope he will cement his place as one of the world’s top players and increase his market value accordingly."

Barcelona would surely be at the front of the queue should Dybala be put up for sale. It'll be fascinating to see how his game has developed in that time and whether he can scale heights needed to be compared to the likes of Messi. Nevertheless, it’s apparent any club that wants to sign the forward will have to part with a significant amount of money.

Darijo Srna to Stay with Shakhtar Donetsk

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Shakhtar Donetsk skipper Darijo Srna has said he will be staying at the club despite links with a move to Barcelona.

"In the end, I listened to my heart and I will stay at my club," the 34-year-old said in a statement on the club’s official website (h/t Moises Llorens of AS). It’s noted in the report that Srna held talks with Barca sporting director Robert Fernandez about a transfer, with the Blaugrana said to be looking to improve their options at right-back.

While Srna would not have been a long-term solution, his experience at the highest level, composure on the ball and unyielding energy levels would have made him a savvy acquisition.

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Barca’s starting right-back is converted midfielder Sergi Roberto, while Aleix Vidal, the man who was expected to replace Dani Alves, has failed to get regular minutes at the Camp Nou. Grup 14's Sergi Dominguez feels as though Vidal deserves more of a chance:

Given Srna is poised to continue to add to his legacy with the Ukrainian side, manager Luis Enrique may have to put more faith in Vidal.

The Croatia international has been with Donetsk since 2003, winning eight league titles and the 2009 UEFA Cup. Given he is the skipper and remains a key part of the side, it’s understandable he’s made the decision to stick around for the twilight of his career.