Barcelona Youngster Snubs Liverpool And Tottenham by Signing New Deal

Marc Bartra has signed a four year extension with Barcelona to end speculation regarding a possible move to the Premier League, with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur among the clubs who had been reportedly interested in signing the young centre back.

Bartra made the move from Barcelona's youth squad into the reserve team in 2009 and stepped up to the seniors at the beginning of 2010.

However he has struggled to become a regular for the first team despite a crisis in the centre of the Catalan's defence and reports had suggested he was keen on moving away to get more playing time.

However the 23-year-old defender has decided instead to commit his future to Barcelona by signing an extension having been in the final year of his contract.

"I am calm," he said. "My renewal is on the right path. I'm happy because I've played more games this season than at the same point last year.

"The club has given me everything. I hope to be here for many years and to succeed."

The new deal has ended any chances of Barcelona losing the youngster for nothing as he has agreed to stay until June 2017 with a new £20m release clause inserted.

Bartra has started just eight La Liga games for the Catalan giants this season but with 35-year old Carlos Puyol no longer at his best he hopes to win increased opportunities in the second half of the season.

Liverpool and Tottenham were reportedly interesting in his services as both sides are looking to strengthen at the back but they are now forced to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements.

Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho have been Brendan Rodgers' first-choice pairing this season but Daniel Agger's recent injury has stressed the Reds' need for additional resources.

Bartra had recently hinted that he was set to sign a new deal.