Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Neymar and Jordi Alba

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has reportedly blocked a move to sign Barcelona forward Neymar. The Blues coach has resisted the idea of acquiring the Brazilian attacker, even though the Premier League leaders were said to have a deal in place, according to reports in Italy.

Italian publication Tuttosport (h/t TalkSport) detailed how Chelsea had already taken steps to convince Barca to sell Neymar, with TalkSport's translation noting that "Blues owner Roman Abramovich had even agreed a £155.5 million fee with the Catalan giants to sensationally bring the 25-year-old to Stamford Bridge."

Despite the exorbitant fee, coupled with Neymar's undoubted talent as a match-winner in the final third, Conte does not feel the deal would be right for his squad. It's an issue of style, per the reports: "Conte, 47, feels Neymar would not suit his style of play and, despite being keen to bolster his squad, he first wants to reduce numbers before making additions."

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Of course, Conte's wishes may not be the decisive factor if Abramovich is determined to land Neymar. The Russian billionaire has a history of ruthlessly pursuing players he wants, even if those targets don't necessarily fit with his manager's plans.

Perhaps the most notable example occurred in 2006 when Abramovich added striker Andriy Shevchenko to a double title-winning side managed by Jose Mourinho. Those squads relied on the brawn of Didier Drogba to lead the line, and the Ukrainian never made the grade at Stamford Bridge.

It could be a similar story with the idea of Neymar moving to Chelsea over a decade later. The South American attacker's pace and intelligent movement off the flanks make him a constant threat, but those qualities may seem out of place at Stamford Bridge.

Conte's squad is led by powerhouse centre-forward Diego Costa. He's a prolific striker who excels playing with his back to goal and linking well with runs from midfield, particularly those of supporting forwards Willian, Pedro and Eden Hazard.

In this context, Conte is right to doubt how well Neymar would fit at Chelsea. Fortunately for the manager, the reports indicate Abramovich won't overrule him regarding this deal:

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Abramovich had reportedly come to an agreement with the Barca hierarchy, but he is unlikely to overrule Conte. The Italian has been interesting Serie A giants Inter Milan and the Chelsea owner will be determined to keep hold of his manager after such a successful season, where the Blues have excelled in a 3-4-3 formation, and he will be keen to back him in the summer.

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Of course, all of this supposes Barcelona would even be interested in parting company with one of the leading lights of their awesome forward line. Neymar isn't a talisman in the mould of fellow striker Lionel Messi or a creative force like Luis Suarez, but he is the perfect foil for both.

Keeping him would help ensure future success at the Camp Nou.

Lionel Messi Urging Jordi Alba to Reject Manchester United

According to Spanish source Diario Gol (h/t Colin Harvey of the Daily Star), Messi is working hard to convince left-back Jordi Alba to reject a move to Manchester United.

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The reports made clear how Alba has become unhappy with his lack of game time under manager Luis Enrique, something that has encouraged United's interest. Yet the situation is likely to change in the near future: "But with the Barcelona boss set to leave in the summer, Alba could still have a future in Catalonia. Alba has a £130 million release clause, so Barca have no need to sell and United are unlikely to go that high for a full back."

Now, Messi is trying to keep Alba on side.

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Just like with Neymar, Barca would be foolish to let Alba go easily. He is a terrific dynamic full-back, whose raiding runs on the left flank offer natural width for a side that often likes to play through the middle.

Alba's technical quality on the ball also makes him invaluable in a team built on bossing possession with quality and style. If the Blaugrana hope to restore the footballing principles that made them so dominant both domestically and in Europe during recent years, they will need a player like Alba.