Shakhtar Donetsk director in Barcelona as Srna link continues
Talks to sign the right-back looked to have broken down but Palkin's trip to the city may prove otherwise
Sergei Palkin, executive director at Shakhtar Donetsk, was in Barcelona on Monday. SPORT have confirmed that he was located at a hotel in the centre of the city and had various professional and personal meetings.
Palkin's visit, taking advantage of the Ukrainian side's stay in Spain, coincides with Barça's interest in the right-back Darijo Srna. Despite the footballer declaring that he's happy at Shakhtar and the most likely outcome being he stays where he is, the executive's presence in the Catalan city could re-activate talks between the clubs.
A few weeks ago, Raül Sanllehí, Barça's director of football, went to Ukriane to try to talk Shakhtar into letting Srna leave for free. However, problems arose with the player. Srna was keen to come, although he wanted an 18-month contract. Barça woudln't offer more than six months with another year dependent on certain targets.
Talks seemed to break down, although Palkin's trip to Barcelona may have had something to do with getting things back on track. Or maybe not.
