Barcelona inspired by Gerard Pique plan as Xavi shapes transfer wish-list

Last week Dani Alves was confirmed as the first signing of new Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez but the club are not likely to stop there in the transfer market.

The Catalan giants are busy in their plans to rebuild their squad following the departures of multiple star players in the past year including Lionel Messi.

Reports in Spain have now outlined how the club are hopeful of pulling off a plan that has previously been successful with Gerard Pique and other prominent players at the club.

They are hopeful of a move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Xavi Simons, who is out of contract in the French capital at the end of the current campaign.

The 18-year-old spent nine years in Barca's youth system but departed in the summer of 2019 to join PSG - for whom he has made two first-team appearances.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Xavi Hernandez be a successful boss at Barca? Let us know in the comments section below

The son of the son of Dutch former footballer Regillio Simons is expected to leave Paris when his contract expires in the summer of 2022 and a return to the Camp Nou is now on the cards.

Simons made his professional debut for Mauricio Pochettino's side in February earlier this year, coming on as a substitute for Julian Draxler in a 1-0 Coupe de France win over Caen.

He made his Ligue 1 debut as a substitute in a 4-1 win over Strasbourg two months later, but has not played for Pochettino's side since.

Simons participated in pre-season action for the club but has featured for the Under-19 outfit this season, appearing in all four of their UEFA Youth League matches to date.

Contract renewal talks have stalled between player and club, leaving open the possibility that he will move away as a free agent next year.

Represented by agent Mino Raiola, who shares a strong relationship with Barca president Joan Laporta, is said to increase the likelihood of a return to the Catalan capital.

Simons would theoretically be able to open pre-contract talks with any clubs from 1 January onwards due to his current contractual situation.

Will Steven Gerrard be a successful manager at Aston Villa? Cast your vote below.

Pique is one of a number of La Masia graduates who left Barca as a youth star before returning during their senior careers with Cesc Fabregas and Eric Garcia other high-profile examples.

Simons has represented the Netherlands up to Under-19 level and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting midfielders in European football.

Simons has amassed a large following on social media platform Instagram, with over 3 million followers, and is widely tipped to establish himself as one of football's biggest names in the years ahead.