Xavi Hernandez could be set for a huge Premier League job next season when the Spaniard leaves Barcelona at the end of the season.
Speaking following a defeat in January Xavi shocked the footballing world by announcing his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.
He said: “I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barça. I think the situation needs to change course, and as a culer, I cannot allow the current situation.”
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Xavi, widely esteemed as one of Barcelona's greatest-ever players, assumed the managerial role in November 2021, succeeding Ronald Koeman.
In his first full season at the helm of the Catalan giants, Xavi guided the Catalan club to the La Liga title but Real Madrid have since taken a chokehold on the Spanish division.
Xavi's decision shocked many at the time, given Xavi's age and connection to Barcelona it was thought he may become part of the furniture at the Nou Camp.
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With the 44-year-old now effectively out of work, reports have emerged linking Xavi to the Premier League.
According to HITC Newcastle are now showing "genuine and strong" interest in making Xavi their new manager for the 24/25 season, replacing Eddie Howe.
Xavi's arrival at Newcastle would certainly pique interest, although it seems likely that Howe's job is safe at least for the time being. Nonetheless, Xavi's towering reputation in the football world, stemming from his legendary playing career at Barcelona as a player, cannot be understated.
Newcastle currently sit in 10th position in the Premier League table with 11th-placed Chelsea having a game in hand, making European qualification of any sort improbable.
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Additionally, their Champions League campaign ended in the group stage, with performances and results often falling short of expectations mounting added pressure onto Howe.
There is no doubt Howe has done a brilliant job at Newcastle since taking over from Steve Bruce, but having taken a significant step backwards this season the Saudi Arabian owners may lose patience.
Topics: Barcelona, Chelsea, Eddie Howe, La Liga, Premier League, Xavi, Newcastle United
Tom Jenkins