Ronald Koeman 'set for showdown talks over Barcelona future next week'

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman is reportedly set to hold crunch talks with Joan Laporta over his future next week.

The Dutchman has overseen an unbeaten start to the new La Liga season, but Champions League defeats to Bayern Munich and Benfica have left his future hanging in the balance.

Koeman will remain in charge for Saturday's battle with Atletico Madrid - although he will not be in the dugout due to suspension - but he recently admitted that sacking rumours may be true.

According to Sport, Koeman and Laporta will sit down for showdown talks next week to discuss the manager's position, with the Dutchman now able to 'taste' his departure.

The former Netherlands boss recently affirmed that he has not had any contact with Laporta as of yet, with Saturday's game with the champions potentially pivotal in saving his job.

Xavi, Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp have all been linked with the hotseat role in Catalonia, but Roberto Martinez recently confirmed that he has not been spoken to over the job.