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Barcelona Transfer News: Major Rumours on Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Dani Alves

Matt JonesFeatured ColumnistJanuary 25, 2015

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 18:  Marc-Andre Ter Stegen of FC Barcelona looks on during a FC Barcelona training session on July 18, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain.  (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
David Ramos/Getty Images

Barcelona’s young goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is reportedly a target for Liverpool, as Brendan Rodgers looks to abate his perennial goalkeeping issues.

At the moment, the German stopper is behind Claudio Bravo in the Blaugrana pecking order. Although he’s featured in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, the former Borussia Monchengladbach man has expressed some concerns about not playing every week, per Marca:

I'm happy with the support I get from the public and with the work I do with my teammates. For now, the manager counts on me for the Cup and Champions League games, but I'd like to play in the league. I want La Liga, even if Bravo is doing a good job. 

BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09:  Marc-Andre Ter Stegen of FC Barcelona faces the media during a press conference ahead of their UEFA Champions League Group F match against Paris Saint-Germain FC at Ciutat Esportiva on December 9, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain.
David Ramos/Getty Images

While it would be especially unwise on the part of the Catalonians to let the youngster leave on a permanent deal, a loan to Merseyside—something that the Reds are looking into, per Ben Jefferson of the Express—could potentially help further his development.

Here’s a look at why Barcelona brought Ter Stegen to the Camp Nou last summer:

Bravo has been an astute acquisition for the Camp Nou club, and he’s a player that has been central to their excellent defensive record. But there are plenty who feel that it’s time for Ter Stegen to get a prolonged chance between the sticks, including Spanish football expert Moloch The Loveless, who has been blowing the German’s trumpet for a while now:

Muhammad Butt @muhammadbutt

one more thing: Ter Stegen must start all the games from now on. his distribution is PHENOMENAL and a huge part of Barça's build-up play.

Encouragingly for the Barcelona faithful, manager Luis Enrique has claimed that the 22-year-old is going to see more first-team football, per Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez.

Sergi Domínguez @FutbolSergi

Luis Enrique says Ter Stegen could start some games in La Liga. Good news.

Even if Ter Stegen doesn’t feature in La Liga action, he could still have a vital role to play for the Blaugrana this season. The club will be desperate to go far in both the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, and helping the team to glory in those competitions would do wonders for his progression.

Ter Stegen has the class to be Barcelona's long-term goalkeeper.
Ter Stegen has the class to be Barcelona's long-term goalkeeper.David Ramos/Getty Images

Another player who has been linked with a move away from the Camp Nou is full-back Dani Alves. The situation surrounding the Brazilian’s contract at Barcelona remains unclear. According to Marc Williams of the Daily Star, Manchester United are subsequently “confident” on luring him to Old Trafford at the end of the season.

Here’s a look at why Alves has long been considered as one of the most important cogs in this successful Barcelona set-up:

On the face of things, this isn’t a transfer that makes much sense for either side. United already have a lot of players who are in the latter stages of their career. Although Alves would be an ideal figure to occupy the right wing-back berth in Louis van Gaal’s 3-5-2 system, the Red Devils are in need of an injection of youthful impetus in that position.

Could Alves be on his way to Old Trafford?
Could Alves be on his way to Old Trafford?Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

Barcelona will surely do their utmost to be keep hold of the player anyway, especially given their restrictions in the transfer market for the next 12 months. Enrique will be tasked with blooding a host of young players during this period of transfer abstinence, and experienced men in the squad—like Alves—will be key to expediting what can be a precarious process.

Subsequently, to lose him at the end of the season would be a major, major blow for the Blaugrana, especially with the future of second choice right-back Martin Montoya, whose contract expires at the end of the current campaign, also uncertain.