Barcelona open contract talks with Puyol

The experienced defender's current contract is due to expire in the summer of 2013, but the Catalans are eager to hold on to their skipper for several more years.Barcelona are ready to open contract talks with veteran defender Carles Puyol as they are determined to hold on to the centre-back beyond the expiry date of his current deal, Sport reports.The 34-year-old has a contract with the Blaugranas until the summer of 2013, but Barca are desperate to keep Puyol at the club until the end of his playing career."He says that he wants to keep on playing until he's 40. It all depends on him. With his mentality and commitment, he can keep on going until his body says stop," Barca coach Pep Guardiola recently said.Puyol is a product of the Barcelona youth academy, and has made well over 500 official appearances for the Champions League holders so far in his career.The Spain international has missed a number of matches due to injury this season, but remains a key player for Guardiola.