Barcelona Transfer News: Embargo to Trigger Shock New Deal for Dani Alves

Barcelona defender Dani Alves is in line to receive a new contract with the Catalan giants after it was revealed the club could ask the Brazilian to remain with them if their forthcoming transfer ban is upheld.

Football Espana, via Eurosport, reports the full-back, whose deal expires at the end of the current campaign, will be offered new terms by the Blaugrana if they are unable to bring in signings due to a FIFA transfer embargo:

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Barca’s appeal is currently being heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport and if CAS reject the appeal, a new deal could follow for the Brazil international.

It is not known if Alves would accept a single season extension or if he would hold out for two more years at Camp Nou.

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Christophe Ena/Associated Press

It had been thought that Alves was surplus to Luis Enrique's requirements, per Football Espana, but if Barca cannot successfully fight their ban, they will need to hold on to him for the short-term.

Alves has been linked with a number of teams since the World Cup in his home country, and despite a significant dip in his performance value, many teams are still interested in him.

Joe Short of the Express says Manchester United want to land the player in January, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, but the latest developments surely make that unlikely at present.

Short says United want Alves as a replacement for Rafael, and despite his age, he would be given the right-back slot and made first choice.

But the 31-year-old has still been used frequently this term, with Enrique starting the defender in 10 league matches and five Champions League encounters, per WhoScored.

However, football writer Liam Twomey suggests United fans may not be too disappointed to hear Alves may not be joining them, considering his ageing legs:

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Dani Alves still has something to offer, but in the immediate future, it could be better for him to stay in a more familiar environment, such as the one he has done so well at in the past and currently still resides in.

Barca will need experienced campaigners in the next 12 months as Enrique reshuffles the pack at the Camp Nou and Alves has leadership skills in the dressing room that he can utilise.

The full-back is no longer the marauding machine he once was, but he is certainly useful in a squad environment.

Even if Barca's transfer ban is lifted, a two-year deal for the player should not be discounted as they look for a future world-class right-back to join the team.

Alves might find life in the Premier League hard, but if he wants the challenge, a move looks more likely now than it will in the years to come.