Xavi's first moves as Barcelona boss include ruthless Pique snub

New Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez is already ringing the changes at the Camp Nou and starting to stamp his authority at the club.

The Catalan giants confirmed the appointment of Xavi earlier this month following the sacking of Ronald Koeman and the former Barca captain is trying to implement swift changes.

The reopening of the transfer window is still two months away, but the club are already putting plans in place to rejuvenate their squad in January.

The Blaugrana have been holding meetings with their former star player Dani Alves - currently a free agent - according to Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte.

The Brazilian full-back - who captained his nation to the Olympic gold medal in summer - has been out of contract since leaving Sao Paulo in September.

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The 38-year-old was a VIP guest at Barca's Champions League clash against Dynamo Kiev amid rumours of a return to Camp Nou.

Last month Alves confirmed he was open to a return to Barcelona : "It would sound very opportunistic to say that Barca need me now.

"I always said that I left because I saw things were not the way I thought they should be.

"You never want to see everything that [has] ended up happening since I left. I've said that when Barca need me and want me, I would be at their disposal regardless of where I am.

"The affection, love and respect I have for this club is too much.

"If Barca think they need me, they just have to call me. I still think I can contribute anywhere, but more at Barca because of the number of young players that they have now."

Alves made just shy of 400 first-team appearances for the Blaugrana in a trophy-laden period which included six La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns between 2008 and 2016, winning 23 trophies with the club in total.

During Xavi's presentation this week, club president Joan Laporta said: "Dani Alves is helping the club in many ways, and he also offered us his help from a sporting perspective."

It is not just in the transfer market that Xavi is looking to stamp his mark on the club with a ruthless decision made with another former teammate of his: Gerard Pique.

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As outlined by Spanish media, Xavi has now ensured the central defender will not be appearing on the TV programme El Hormiguero, as had been planned.

Pique is extremely media-friendly and has plenty of interests outside of football, even running his own company - Kosmos Global Holding.

Xavi is intent on ensuring that Barca's players do not have high-profile active interests outside of the club as he believes this may be a distraction.

During his presentation press conference, he insisted that it was important to "restore order" to the club and this appears to be a major signal of his intentions.