Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Branislav Ivanovic and Lionel Messi Rumours

Barcelona look set to miss out on exiled Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, with the defender set to move to Turkish side Besiktas instead.

Juventus, Barca and Besiktas were believed to be interested in the Serbian veteran, but Turkish outlet Haber Turk reports he’s agreed to join the latter, via Jack Otway of Daily Mail.

Ivanovic has been out of favour at Stamford Bridge since Antonio Conte took over, but he’s proved that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level in the past few seasons.

However, at 32 years of age, it’s safe to say Ivanovic’s best years are behind him, and he’d likely be a bit-part player at Barca if he made the switch.

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It’s true the Catalan giants are in desperate need of a new right wing-back to finally fill the cavernous shoes of Dani Alves, but they need a player with bags of energy and a willingness to get forward.

With that in mind, they could well swoop for Ivanovic’s Chelsea teammate Victor Moses, who has enjoyed a fruitful campaign on the right flank for the Blues so far this term.

However, Sky Sports reports Chelsea are looking to tie the Nigerian down to a new, long-term contract to fend off interest from Barcelona, via Louis Sealey of Metro.

Elsewhere, Barca club legend Xavi has insisted front man Lionel Messi will never depart the Camp Nou despite interest from the Premier League.

Metro recently cited reports in Spain claiming Manchester United were plotting an audacious swoop for the Argentinian, but Xavi told radio station Cope that his former colleague is staying put, via Lee Thomas-Mason of Metro.

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I’m in contact with Messi and I think he’s happy and satisfied. He knows Barcelona is the best club in the world for him and I can’t see him in any other club. I haven’t spoken to him about his new contract but if I was to bet, I wouldn’t expect Messi to go to another club. He could get more money elsewhere but I don’t think he is interested in just money, he is more concerned about stability.

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Barcelona spurned the chance to close the gap on Real Madrid at the top of La Liga on Saturday, as Sergio Ramos’ late goal earned the league leaders a 1-1 draw at the Camp Nou.

Luis Enrique’s side put together an improved performance in El Clasico, but four domestic draws in a row has seen plenty of eyebrows raised.

Barca will look to stop the rot against Osasuna next time out.