The shot-stopper’s display against Real Madrid caught the 28-year-old’s eye and the full-back hints he would be happy to see him replace Victor Valdes

Barcelona full-back Adriano has revealed his admiration for Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea and hinted that he would like to see the youngster take Victor Valdes’s soon-to-be-vacant No.1 spot at Camp Nou.

The 28-year-old watched the young Red Devils star impress in his side’s 1-1 Champions League draw away at Real Madrid on Wednesday but admits that the decision on the Blaugrana‘s next keeper is not up to him.

“De Gea is a great goalkeeper but it’s down to Zubi [Andoni Zubizarreta],” Adriano told Marca. “I personally really like him as a keeper.

“It was a great game and the tie is very open. We now have to think about our own game [against AC Milan]. The match at Old Trafford should be a good one, too.”

Adriano then spoke of his own future, insisting that he is content at the Catalan club despite increased competition for places and rumours of interest from Paris-Saint Germain following a delay in his contract talks.

“I would like to stay at Barcelona for many years to come,” he added. “We have to reach an agreement. My decision is to stay, as I’m very happy here and so are my wife and children. That’s what I told Zubi.

“I saw about an offer from PSG in the newspapers but I wasn’t approached. It was just speculation. [Jordi] Alba and [Dani] Alves make it hard for me to get in the team. There’s a lot of competition for places. We have to be at our best. When I get the chance to play I want to prove my worth.

“Matches become difficult when you’re in and out of action. We’re already focussed on the Granada game [on Saturday]. It’s a tough place to go to and they’ve won their last two games.

“We found it difficult there last year and it will be just as hard this year. The fixture list is intense and these are important games that can prove to be decisive.”