Barcelona Transfer News: Sergi Roberto Contract Eyed, Miralem Pjanic Rumours

Barcelona are determined to keep hold of their next bright young thing. The Camp Nou club are reportedly already discussing an improved contract for 23-year-old midfield utility man Sergi Roberto,

Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu wants to deter some of Europe's biggest clubs from snatching his breakout star, according to Spanish website Weloba.cat (h/t Spanish publication Sport).

The issue involves the player's release clause, something Bartomeu wants to increase, per Sport: "His release fee clause is €30m, which could reach €40m with objectives. However, it's a figure that Europe's biggest sides could easily reach, so the club want to secure the player, who could be a big part of Barcelona's future."

Damian Strohmeyer/Associated Press

Many of the continent's top clubs would likely be keen on Roberto, based on his performances this season. The same reports claims Barca convinced the player to shun interest during the summer transfer window.

He's excelled in a variety of positions, demonstrating both an admirable work rate as well as a high level of technical quality. Roberto initially made his mark filling in for Brazilian veteran right-back Dani Alves. His tireless running off the flank, deceptive pace and accurate delivery made him a menace for more than one defence.

But he's also made his presence known at the heart of midfield. Typically classy on the ball, Roberto has not been awed by his more illustrious team-mates or the level of the opposition.

At times, he's produced some sumptuous skill, like the ingenious, mid-air backheel that teed up Luis Suarez during Barca' 2-0 La Liga win against Getafe at the end of October.

His rapid progress this season is the culmination of patient development from within the club, as BBC Sport's Andy West noted:

Barca will understandably be loath to lose another gifted youngster. They've already seen the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Hector Bellerin bolt for England's Premier League in years gone by.

It makes sense to secure Roberto for the long term now, even though his progress is set to stall. The player reportedly suffered a sprained ankle during Barca's recent 6-1 UEFA Champions League triumph over AS Roma, according to the club's official site.

Injury aside, though, Roberto has already established himself as a star in the making.

Barca Keen on Miralem Pjanic

Speaking of vanquished foe Roma, Barca are keen on bringing classy midfield playmaker Miralem Pjanic to the Camp Nou.

A report from Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News) claims Barcelona could offer as much as £28 million next summer for the schemer also wanted by Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

Pjanic is certainly worth the money. Like most of his team-mates, he spent the 6-1 thrashing chasing shadows at the Camp Nou. But of all Roma's players, the 25-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international is the one who wouldn't be out of place in Barca's current starting XI.

He's a player who operates in a style akin to the finest traditions of the Spanish club. Pjanic is a technical maestro who exudes flair and competence in possession. He'd certainly be right at home in Barca's expansive passing game. The former Lyon man is also deadly from set pieces.

His current club is more than aware of his quality, however. In fact, Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has issued a hands-off warning regarding both Pjanic and full-back Alessandro Florenzi during an interview with Mediaset television (h/t ESPN FC's Ben Gladwell).

Sabatini states any interest from last season's treble winners is flattering but insists Roma won't be tempted into lucrative sales: "We're honoured that a club like Barcelona are interested in our players, but they are not for sale."

If there's one player Barca can justify breaking the bank for this summer, it's Pjanic. He'd be central to a midfield refresh alongside Roberto.

With Xavi moved on and Andres Iniesta now 31, manager Luis Enrique must start building the next great Barca engine room.