Barca gives contract extension to defender Bartra

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona centerback Marc Bartra has signed a contract extension that ties him to the Spanish champions until 2017.

The 23-year-old Bartra has played sparingly this season — making 21 appearances — but will be needed going forward with veteran defender Carles Puyol set to leave the club at the end of the season.

Barcelona says the deal includes a buy-out clause of 25 million euros ($34.8 million).

Barcelona is third in the Spanish league, trailing leader Real Madrid by four points.