Legendary Barcelona midfielder Xavi has agreed to replace Quique Setien as coach of the Catalan club, according to reports.
Setien is under enormous pressure with both on-field and off-field issues.
And it is thought Xavi could come in at the end of the season – with Lionel Messi and Co giving the appointment their seal of approval.
According to Mundo Deportivo, a “firm agreement” is in place that would see Barcelona pay Xavi £5.4million per year.
The 40-year-old is currently managing in Qatar with Al-Sadd, taking over last summer after ending his playing career with four years at the same side.
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But with his contract up in just 12 months and the chance to manage the club he joined aged 11 and played 767 first-team appearances for would surely be appealing for him.
Speaking in March, Xavi admitted he would be keen – although would want no toxicity in the dressing room, which could prove impossible at a club like Barcelona with seemingly so many political issues between players, coaches and the board.
“I am clear that I want to return to Barcelona, I am very excited.
“Now that I have seen myself coaching I think I can bring things to the players.p
“But I made it clear to them that I saw myself in a project that started from zero and in which the decision-making was mine. I have no problem: I don’t hide, I don’t take it back.
“I would like to work together with people in whom I have confidence, with whom there is loyalty and who are very valid people. There can’t be anyone toxic around the dressing room.”
Xavi was linked with replacing Ernesto Valverde in January before Setien was appointed.
However, despite mounting a title challenge, three draws in their last four matches mean Real Madrid look on course to secure LaLiga this season.
And Setien is now fighting for his future, with many expecting him to go at the end of the campaign.
