Alves agent issues Barcelona with warning

Alves is nominated for the Fifa Ballon d'Or (GETTY IMAGES)

The agent of Barcelona wing-back Dani Alves has warned the Catalan giants that they risk losing his client, unless they agree a lucrative new contract with the Brazil international.

The 27-year-old’s current deal runs out at the end of next season and talks over a new contract have failed to make progress in recent times.

Agent Joaquin Macanas told the Spanish media: “Dani is one of the best defenders in the world and the big clubs desire his services.

“We only ask that Barca value him in reality for his work and development during these years.”

Alves, who joined Barca from Sevilla in the summer of 2008, is rumoured to be of interest to English champions Chelsea.