Al Sadd warn Barcelona over interest in Xavi

Xavi is the strong favourite to takeover in Catalonia after Barcelona parted ways with Ronald Koeman this week after the Dutchman oversaw the club's worst start to a season since 1987-88.

But taking to social media, Al Sadd stated: "In response to what's circulating recently, the Al Sadd management reaffirms that Xavi has a two-year contract with the club and is fully focused on the team's upcoming matches, to maintain our lead at the top of the league and to defend the title. #AlwaysAlSadd".

On Friday, Barcelona president Joan Laporta admitted that the club have been in talks with Xavi over a return but refused to confirm whether the Spaniard would take over from Koeman.