Source: Daily_Mail
Alves happy with Chelsea interest as Barca fight big guns for Azpilicueta
Dani Alves says he is honoured to be linked to Chelsea and insists he is not close to signing a new contract with Barcelona.[LNB]The Brazil right back has two-and-a-half years to run on his Nou Camp deal, but could improve his current £60,000 a week by moving to Chelsea or Manchester City.[LNB]'Chelsea are a great club,' he told Brazilian website Globoesporte. 'To be talked about and be in their plans is a privilege.[LNB] High praise: Dani Alves (left) goes shoulder to shoulder with Chelsea's Florent Malouda[LNB]'At the moment I'm happy at Barcelona and intend to see out my contract here. Interest from them (Chelsea) gives me great satisfaction, knowing that they are one of the biggest teams in world football.'[LNB]Hail, Cesar: Starlet Azpilicueta[LNB]The 26-year-old denied reports in Catalonia that he was about to extend his current contract. In fact, it is believed that Barcelona are stepping up their bid to sign Spain Under 21 right back Cesar Azpilicueta, who has a £13million buy-out clause at Osasuna.[LNB]'My situation is that I have a contract at Barcelona, and despite everything that has been said, there is nothing to sign. [LNB]'I can't speak for Barcelona, but for my part I have a contract andwant to continue, regardless of their interest in renewing my contractor not.[LNB]'But at the moment everything is uncertain because they have neither come to me with an agreement, nor me to them.'[LNB]Barcatechnical secretary Txiki Begiristain hopes to tie up a deal forAzpilicueta to sign this summer, but the European champions facecompetition from Arsenal and Manchester City.[LNB]Begiristain is also thought to have lined up Manchester United's John O'Shea as an alternative.[LNB] Frank Lampard: I nearly joined Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan, but mum always told me not to forget my debt to ChelseaBarcelona set their sights on shock swoop for Man United defender O'SheaAshley offered Spanish escape route as Barca and Real line up £25m bidsChelsea step up £36m move for Di Maria as Manchester City and United eye starCHELSEA FC
