Talks over his contract renewal between defender Eric Abidal and Barcelona have stalled after the parties disagreed on two points: the length of extension and the player’s economic demands.
The French international’s current agreement runs until June, 2012, and Barca have given him until December 31 this year to respond to their proposals one way or the other. Abidal’s agent wants a two-year deal for his client while La Blaugrana are only prepared to put a one-year offer on the table with the option of a further 12 months depending on performances. Neither is there any agreement on the wage figures both sides are proposing, although Abidal will be given time to make his mind up and will be allowed to re-open negotiations in his own time.
Barcelona director of football Andoni Zubizarreta has been working for some time to find a solution to Abidal’s future at the Camp Nou, particularly since the former Lyon man has become one of the most popular figures at the club following his return to action after surgery to remove liver cancer earlier this year.
The 31-year-old is the third oldest in boss Pep Guardiola’s squad after goalkeeper Jos
