Barcelona Transfer News: Darijo Srna Interest Confirmed by Shakhtar, Top Rumours

Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca has confirmed Barcelona are interested in Darijo Srna but hopes the Ukrainian outfit will be able to keep the right-back.

According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Goal's Sacha Pisani), he said: "I know of the interest. It is not for me to make this decision. We know the importance of Srna on our team and we also know of his importance to the club. [Srna] has spent many years with us. I sincerely hope he doesn't go."

Srna signed for the club in 2003 and is out of contract at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old is still enjoying some strong form despite his age and continues to be effective in the final third, producing a goal and seven assists in all competitions this season.

Indeed, he has a knack for both—45 and 114, respectively, in 465 appearances for the club, who recently shared a look at some of his best moments over the years:

While he could only be a short-term option for the Blaugrana, his experience and effectiveness at both ends of the pitch would make him a strong candidate, while his contract situation would make him affordable, too.

However, Fonseca may get his wish—according to Sport's Lluis Mascaro, Aleix Vidal looks to have earned the right to stay at Barcelona beyond January and so there will be no need to replace him with Srna.

Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

Vidal enjoyed a rare appearance on Tuesday—just his fourth of the campaign—against Borussia Monchengladbach and earned high praise from manager Luis Enrique for his efforts: "Vidal was spectacular. He is taking advantage of the minutes he's had. He was at the level required by Barca."

Per Mascaro, he added: "Welcome to the cause."

According to Sport, he also revealed his desire to stay at the club when speaking to beIN Sports after the match: "It would be stupid to want to leave this team."

Per the club's official Twitter feed, Vidal grabbed an assist during the 4-0 win over the German side:

He also earned the praise of Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez:

Enrique's comments would suggest the Spaniard has earned another chance to prove himself at the Camp Nou having taken his chance with both hands.

As such, Barca might not pursue Srna in January, even if he'd cost almost nothing—Vidal may find he has until the end of the season to show he can be a viable option for the Catalan giants.