Barcelona are increasingly confident of securing Xavi Hernandez as their new manager despite links with a move to Newcastle United.
That’s according to 90Min, who claim that Xavi is ready to take the job following Ronald Koeman’s departure on Wednesday night.
Koeman was sacked immediately after a 1-0 away defeat at Rayo Vallecano, bringing an end to just over a year in charge.
The Dutchman’s exit leaves Barca looking for a new manager, but it looks like they’re about to secure Xavi.
Many will remember Xavi as being a key man in Barcelona’s midfield. Born in Catalunya, Xavi spent 24 years at Barca, racking up 767 appearances for the club.
Now in charge of Al Sadd in Qatar, 41-year-old Xavi looks set for an emotional return to the Camp Nou, potentially leaving Newcastle gutted.
Newcastle interest in Barcelona legend Xavi
Newcastle are also in the market for a new manager having parted ways with Steve Bruce last week.
Ian McGarry recently suggested that Newcastle had expressed a very real interest in appointing Xavi.
That would have been a bold yet exciting appointment for the Magpies, with fans desperate for a more entertaining brand of football.
It now looks like the pull of a return to Barcelona will seal the deal for Xavi, leaving Newcastle to look elsewhere.
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