Barcelona Transfer News: Marc Bartra Contract, Fiorentina Loan Plan, Top Rumours

Barcelona are reportedly prepared to extend Marc Bartra's contract at the Camp Nou but will send the defender to Fiorentina on a two-year loan deal.

According to Spanish daily Sport, Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal both chose not to accept the terms offered to them by the Blaugrana, leaving La Viola free to seal his services on temporary terms (h/t Football Italia).

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If the move is completed, Bartra would be likely to receive a better chance at first-team football in Florence, having mustered just four league starts under manager Luis Enrique last season.

Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez addressed the media at the club's end-of-season press conference on Thursday and admitted his desire to retain Bartra's loyalties in the long run:

A loan switch to Serie A facilitates both parties in that Bartra would be permitted to pursue the minutes he so sorely needs at this point in his career while Barca free up space for a more respected member of the squad.

Bleacher Report's Clark Whitney provided some insight as to why Borussia Dortmund were forced out of the running for the Spain centre-back, citing German newspaper Bild:

The Black and Yellows are understandably in the market for a central defender after Mats Hummels' return to Bayern Munich, but it seems Barcelona's wish to retain clauses in Batra's contract prevented a switch.

Squawka recently provided some insight into Bartra's 2015-16 Primera Division campaign, with his passing quality and aerial strengths standing as some of his finer assets:

Bartra would be expected to reinforce manager Paulo Sousa's back line, competing with the likes of Gonzalo Rodriguez and Nenad Tomovic for playing time, as well as David Astori if the club buys the former Cagliari loanee.

Fifth-place finishers Fiorentina had the worst defence of any team to end up in Serie A's top six last season, leaking 42 goals in 38 games, albeit boasting the fourth-best attack with 60 goals scored.

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Bartra couldn't find his way in front of the likes of Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano at the Camp Nou, and a move away from boyhood club Barca would give him an opportunity to enhance his future prospects.

Meanwhile, Barca are reported to have triumphed in the hunt to sign Corinthians wonderkid Caio Emerson, 17, according to Goal's Gabriel Pazini, who said the teenager will move to the Camp Nou on a five-year deal when he turns 18 in February.

According to Pazini, Manchester City had been tracking the Brazilian's progress for six years and agent Ruben Gaggiol, someone who helped bring Lionel Messi to Barca, was responsible for brokering the deal.