There has been an interesting development in the contract negotiations between Barcelona and Jordi Alba as the two parties are reportedly 'very far away' form agreeing a new deal.
Alba's current contract expires in the summer of 2019 and Spanish media outlet AS (via The Sun) are reporting that the full-back is no closer to signing an extension that would keep him at the Camp Nou.
Alba would be free to talk to potential new clubs in January if he hasn't signed a new deal when the transfer window opens in a few weeks' time and there will be no shortage of suitors for the Spanish international.
Manchester United would be at the front of any queue for the 29-year-old as they are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements after conceding 26 goals in 16 Premier League games already this season. Jose Mourinho's options at left-back are limited to Luke Shaw and Ashley Young, so the opportunity to sign a player of the calibre of Alba would be most welcome.
However, United would face serious competition for the signature of Alba and Manchester City should be monitoring the situation with interest as Pep Guardiola is understood to be looking for a back-up to the brilliant, but injury prone, Benjamin Mendy.
Elsewhere, Andrew Robertson has been a revelation at left-back for Liverpool but Jurgen Klopp might want to consider using Alba as an experienced head to guide Robertson, while Arsenal should also be in the mix.
The Gunners still have their own problem defensively and Unai Emery would welcome the opportunity to link up with Alba again. The pair were together at Valencia between 2009 and 2012, and Alba made 110 appearances for the La Liga side under Emery.
It would be a surprise if Alba were allowed to leave by Barcelona as he has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season, although the drawn out nature of this contract saga ensures an interesting transfer battle could yet erupt.
