Barcelona approach Roberto Martinez as Xavi successor?

At the end of January, Xavi announced that he would be standing down as manager at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

The team's recent improvement has led to suggestions that Xavi could reverse his decision, and Barcelona sporting director Deco has opened the door for the 44-year-old to potentially stay on.

However, the club's legendary ex-midfielder said last weekend that he is standing by his initial call, and he is still expected to leave this summer despite the recent speculation.

According to FootballTransfers, Barcelona have contacted Martinez, who is currently in charge of Portugal, to discuss a move to Camp Nou at the end of the season.

The report claims that the Catalan outfit want to offer Martinez a one-year deal with the option of another 12 months, with the 50-year-old 'held in high regard' by senior figures at the club.

Martinez has taken charge of Swansea City, Wigan Athletic and Everton during his club managerial career, before managing Belgium between 2016 and 2022.

The Spaniard has been in charge of Portugal since January 2023, winning all 10 of his matches, and he is set to lead the nation into this summer's European Championship.

Martinez has a contract with Portugal until July 2026, and there have been claims that he could initially continue in his current international role alongside the position at Barcelona.

Barcelona sporting director Deco recently said that the club are not currently looking for a new head coach.

"We are not talking about the profile of the new coach, because we are not looking for one yet. The season is not over," Deco told Catalunya Radio.

Barcelona have won four and drawn two of their six matches in all competitions since Xavi announced his departure after the 5-3 home loss to Villarreal on January 27.

The Catalan outfit are third in the La Liga table, eight points behind the leaders Real Madrid, while they are level at 1-1 with Napoli ahead of the second leg of their last-16 Champions League clash on March 12.

Barcelona will be aiming to make it successive wins in Spain's top flight when they head to San Mames on Sunday evening to take on Athletic Bilbao.