Joan Laporta wants to bring Frank Rijkaard back to Barcelona?

The Dutchman was in charge of the Catalan giants between 2003 and 2008, delivering two La Liga titles, two Spanish Super Cups and the Champions League during a successful spell.

Rijkaard was later in charge of Galatasaray before managing Saudi Arabia, but he has not operated in a coaching capacity since leaving his role with the latter in January 2013.

According to Marca, Laporta has identified the 61-year-old as a potential replacement for Xavi, who is leaving his role as manager at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

The report claims that the Barcelona president has already been in touch with Rijkaard to ascertain whether he would be interested in returning to the club this summer.

Rijkaard has allegedly 'not closed the door' on a return to the dug out, although it is unclear whether he is viewed by Laporta as a short-term fix.

The Dutchman started his managerial career with the Netherlands in 1998, while he was in charge of Sparta Rotterdam ahead of a move to Barcelona.

Xavi announced last weekend that he would be standing down as head coach this summer, with the club's legendary former midfielder claiming that the club needs a change of direction.

The 44-year-old has said that he would be interested in returning to Camp Nou in the future but currently believes that his work at the helm "is not valued enough".

Xavi did manage to lead Barcelona to a 1-0 victory over Osasuna in La Liga on Wednesday evening, with recent arrival Vitor Roque scoring his first goal for the club.

The reigning champions remain fourth in the La Liga table, though, eight points behind leaders Girona and seven behind second-placed Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.

A recent report claimed that Pep Guardiola is also wanted back at Barcelona, although it will be difficult to convince the Manchester City manager to return this summer.

Jurgen Klopp is also set to be available, as he prepares to leave Liverpool, but it is thought that the German will now take some time away from coaching in order to recharge.

However, suggestions that Mikel Arteta could leave Arsenal to take charge of Barcelona have recently been played down by the Gunners head coach.