Football
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Barcelona should offer Dani Alves new contract, says Eric Abidal

Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal says the Catalan club should ensure that right-back Dani Alves does not leave the Camp Nou in the summer on a free transfer.

Alves, 31, is out of contract in June and has yet to be offered an extension, despite Barca being unable to make any further signings until January 2016 due to a transfer ban.

Speaking before Sunday's 3-2 La Liga victory over Villarreal, the Brazil international's agent Dinorah Santana suggested her client could move on, while afterwards, Blaugrana president Josep Maria Bartomeu said it was too early yet to start talking about contract issues for next season.

Abidal, who after retiring as a player last year is thought to be close to returning to the Camp Nou in a backroom role, told Barcelona TV show La Porteria that both Alves and the club should come together and agree on a new deal.

"Alves is the best right-back in the world, and Barca must take advantage of this," Abidal said. "If I speak with him, I will tell him to renew his contract."

Ahead of any talks, Alves' camp looks to be in a strong negotiating position, given the transfer ban and coach Luis Enrique appearing not to have huge faith in other right-back options Martin Montoya and Douglas.

Alves was heavily linked with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain last summer, while Premier League clubs Liverpool and Manchester City have previously been credited with an interest in the player.

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