Barcelona Transfer News: Dani Alves 'Unaffected' by Rumours Amid European Buzz

Talk of a Camp Nou exit this summer will have no effect on the standard Dani Alves brings to the Barcelona setup, according to the defender's boss, Luis Enrique.

The Brazilian's contract is set to expire at the end of this season and all signs would appear to suggest he's poised for a departure, but Enrique has faith in his stars to remain vigilant in the face of speculation, per FourFourTwo:

"

These players are specialists in dealing with rumours and controversies, and it doesn't affect them at all. Looking at Dani Alves, he's one of the least affected by these things. We know the most important part of the season is to come, and we are fully focused on that.

"

David Ramos/Getty Images

Having spent the last seven years of his career in Catalonia, it's understandable Alves may allow off-pitch matters to affect those on the field, with such a dramatic change potentially in sight.

The 31-year-old took to his official Instagram account this week to address those hurling criticism in his direction, ensuring he's strong enough to rise above those out to insult him (post in Portuguese):

Spanish newspaper Sport provided a full transcription of the message, which reads:

"

If it's not to improve what I am, don't waste your time. My happiness does not depend on your shouts. The actions don't make reactions. I am eternally an apprentice and I always want good lessons in life. To live and not to be ashamed to be happy and feel that the lessons of life are not only in chalk. Don't kill my best vibe, with little problems.

"

Alves is a difficult case for Barca to judge, given that his age goes against the club's usual policy of investing too heavily in players so close to their twilight years, and his wage demands will be among the highest in the squad.

However, the transfer ban preventing the club from adding any new names to their squad until next January complicates matters and Alves' exit could leave Enrique short of experience at right-back.

David Ramos/Getty Images

Even in his advanced years, the defender is continuing to produce and has made four assists in 22 La Liga starts this season, although admittedly, he isn't the same power he was upon arriving from Sevilla in 2008.

Spanish newspaper AS reports the Blaugrana are still attempting to negotiate a new deal for Alves, but salary and contract length may be some of the key reasons an extension hasn't already been penned:

In what could be his final stretch as a Barcelona player, Alves will be of major importance in the weeks to come. Enrique's side sit at La Liga's summit, will face Athletic Bilbao in a very winnable Copa del Rey final and take on Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League this month.

The vultures are assuredly looking to turn the Brazil international's head in alternative directions, too, with the Daily Mail alleging Manchester United are already making moves to sign the player on a free transfer:

At the very least, Alves will try his utmost to lead Barcelona on their route to a silverware haul before departing for new pastures and his coach buys into the notion his full-back can remain professional.

The end of the road may be in sight, but Alves will be sure to soak up every bit of the journey while it lasts. And if anything, we may yet see the South American motivated enough to reproduce his very best.