Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi is reportedly set to open talks with the club over a return as manager.
The Blaugrana's current boss Ronald Koeman is set to discuss his future with president Joan Laporta at the end of the season, and the Dutchman has affirmed that he wants the club's "absolute confidence" to remain in charge.
Koeman has secured a Copa del Rey triumph during his first season in the dugout, but Barcelona's La Liga title hopes were extinguished with a 2-1 defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday evening.
Al-Sadd manager Xavi only penned a new two-year deal with the Qatari side earlier this week, but according to ARA, the 41-year-old is a candidate to replace Koeman at the helm in Catalonia.
The report adds that Barcelona's players are aware of such talks taking place, and they are expecting a definitive answer on the club's manager by the end of the season.
Xavi led Al-Sadd to Qatari League glory in the 2020-21 campaign, and he amassed 767 appearances in a 17-year senior career with Barcelona, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns.
Ben Knapton
