Reports | Xavi to be appointed as Barcelona manager as deal close to being finalised

Barcelona was also knocked out in the Round of 16 of the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain after being unable to overturn a 1-4 loss in the first leg. The Spanish giants also endured disappointment in the La Liga title race that campaign after finishing third in the league table after winning only two of their last five matches. Koeman's second season in charge of the Blaugrana started in disappointing fashion as they endured a terrible run of results in La Liga while also being battered by Bayern Munich and Benfica in their Champions League group-stages ties. A draw against Rayo Vallecano sealed Koeman’s fate as he was relieved of his managerial duties after the conclusion of the match.

Former Barcelona player Xavi Hernandez is the frontrunner for the hot-seat and according to Goal, the deal is close to being finalised. The 41-year-old who is in charge of Qatari club Al-Sadd is looking to end his tenure after the job at Camp Nou was offered to him. It is understood that Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste and director of football Mateu Alemany travelled to Doha following the team's 1-0 Champions League victory over Dynamo Kyiv. The Catalan club's officials will sit down in talks with Al Sadd officials to discuss their intention of appointing Xavi on a two-and-a-half-year deal.