Sergi Roberto content with Barcelona contract talks

Sergi Roberto’s negotiations over a new contract at Barcelona are on track according to the Spain international.

Utility man Roberto has enjoyed a few more opportunities in his favoured midfield position under Ernesto Valverde this season.

The 25-year-old returned from a hamstring injury at right-back, playing 90 minutes in Saturday’s 2-2 LaLiga draw against Celta Vigo.

Roberto’s current deal at Camp Nou runs until June 2019 and, despite reported interest from Juventus and Chelsea, he is confident extended terms will be signed in due course.

“The negotiations are going well. I’ve been a Barca person since I was a kid so I think we should be able to reach an agreement without any problems,” he told a news conference ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League match against Sporting CP.

“There are always small things to discuss. That is what we are talking about in meetings, but I think everything is under control.”

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Barcelona are already through to the knockout stages as Group D winners but Valverde has a selection headache at centre-back, with Samuel Umtiti facing eight weeks out due to a hamstring injury.

Veteran Javier Mascherano is still out with a similar complaint, leaving Gerard Pique and the injury prone Thomas Vermaelen as the remaining senior centre-back options.

Despite his adaptability, Roberto does not think he is a candidate to step into the heart of defence.

“I’ve never played at centre-back before. It’s obviously bad for us that Umtiti is injured but, whenever we have injuries, us players pull together,” he added.

“We’ve got a deep squad with people who can play in different positions and do a very good job.

“At the moment, I don’t really see myself as a centre-back but the players that do, I’m sure they will do a very good job in that position.”