Barcelona star Marc Bartra is expected to sign a new deal at the Nou Camp despite taking a break from contract talks, according to Sport.
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The centre-back has entered the final six months of his deal and is now free to discuss a pre-contract with overseas clubs.
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Both Tottenham and Liverpool have been accredited with a strong interest in the player with both clubs ready to offer Bartra a way out of Catalonia.
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The Premier League rivals were boosted by news that contract talks had been put on hold but seem to have lost out with the centre-back expected to sign a new deal rather than leave in the summer.
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Spain international Bartra was reportedly offered more money to move away from the Nou Camp but is happy to accept less money to remain with the La Liga giants.
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It’s a blow for both Tottenham and Liverpool, who are both looking to strengthen their challenge in a competitive Premier League environment.
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Despite impressive starts to the season both clubs find themselves in a scrap for a top four place and know reinforcements will be needed in order to continue the challenge.
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Bartra, 22, has been growing in stature at Barcelona this season, having come in for the injured Carles Puyol, starting eight games in La Liga so far this season.
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His growing prominence in the Barcelona first team has obviously done enough to convince Bartra that his Barcelona career is worth fighting for.
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