Man Utd blow as Jordi Alba signs new five-year Barcelona deal with £428m buy-out clause
Jordi Alba could now end his career at Barca with new five year commitment to the club
JORDI ALBA has snubbed interest from Manchester United and grabbed himself a deal to stay at Barcelona until 2024.
The Catalan defender would have strengthened United's back four with current left-back Luke Shaw enduring a mixed time at the club through injuries and form.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu reportedly personally intervened in the negotiations to help gain the signature of the 29-year-old.
Contract talks had started in November with Alba and his team finally agreeing terms this week, including a buyout clause worth £428m.
The Spanish full-back grew up in the youth system at Barcelona between 1998-2005, learning the values of the historic club.
Alba, who spent some of his early career at Cornellà and Valencia, signed for the Spanish giants after scoring in the Euro 2012 final when Spain beat Italy 4-0.
The dependable left-back has helped the team win four La Liga titles and Copa del Reys, as well as the 2015 Champions League when they won a historic treble.
This season Ernesto Valverde's side are top of La Liga, with Atletico trailing seven points behind them and Real nine.
After a 0-0 draw with Lyon in the Champions League, Barcelona are also favourites to progress to the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile Manchester United might be looking to replace their target man Romelu Lukaku, who would favour a move to Italy to join former United star Cristiano Ronaldo.
A source at Old Trafford has said that the Belgian striker is keen to move to Juventus if he is forced out of his spot for the more favoured Marcus Rashford.