Alves set for Eastlands switch?

The Dani Alves saga continues to run and run, with City now the favourites to sign the Barcelona right-back in the summer.

The 27 year-old, who is contracted to Barcelona 2012, has been in protracted talks about an extension to his deal with the Catalan club. But according to Spanish sources, the chances of a contract extension are dwindling from day to day.

The Brazil fullback met with senior Barcelona officials to discuss new terms of his contract on Thursday. But it has been reported that talks broke down over wages, with Barcelona refusing to bring Alves’ salary in line with the club’s highest earners.  Alves, 27, is in the final 18 months of his current deal and his stand leaves Barca in no position other than to sell this summer.

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell said recently he hopes Alves with remain at the Nou Camp.

“It would be absurd to end our relationship,” he said, “The two parties will focus on the matter in the best way possible and I am sure there will be no problems – where would he feel better than here?”

The Brazilian defender has been linked with a move to Manchester City for some time.  Reports last month indicated that City were willing to offer the player an €8 million a year contract until 2016.

Alves joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2008 and has developed into one of the best attacking right-backs in the world, underlined by his 2010 Ballon D’Or nomination.  Since arriving at the Nou Camp, Alves has won the Spanish league twice and a Champions League.