Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez is emerging as a potential target for Manchester United if the club decide to sack manager Erik ten Hag.
According to reports, that intermediaries have made contact with the former Barcelona star twice in the last few months.
A four-man delegation led by chief executive Omar Berrada flew out to Barcelona last Thursday, although United sources say that a number of high-level meetings have taken place in the Catalan capital recently because co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been there to support Ineos Britannia sailing team in their battle with New Zealand for the America’s Cup.
But it has also fuelled speculation that Xavi could be a contender if Ten Hag is axed after two-and-half years in charge.
Ten Hag’s assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy would be an obvious short-term replacement – and Xavi has also made it clear that he doesn’t want to coach in Spain again.
United hierarchy are sticking with Erik ten Hag for now but his grip on the role has been shaky
United sources maintain that Ten Hag remains their manager and the club have no plans to make a change as he prepares to face Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday.
United declined to comment on Tuesday, saying they refuse to engage in speculation over the manager’s future
With Thomas Tuchel signing a contract to become the next England boss on October 8, two days before Gareth Southgate ruled himself out of a return to the dugout for another year, the field would be even narrower if United axe Ten Hag now.
Besides Xavi, Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim and former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic could come into contention, although Amorim is being widely tipped to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
