Barcelona boss Xavi allegedly 'really likes' Marco Asensio and has instructed his club to pursue a move for the Real Madrid attacker in 2023.

The 26-year-old was an important player for Los Blancos during the 2021-22 campaign, making 42 appearances in all competitions, contributing 12 goals and two assists in the process.

Asensio is down the pecking order this term, though, with Federico Valverde and Rodrygo both ahead of him in terms of starting roles on the right side of the attack.

The Spain international has made seven appearances for Real Madrid this season but has only scored once, and he has played just 34 minutes of La Liga football in 2022-23.

Asensio's contract at Bernabeu is due to expire at the end of June, and he is widely expected to leave the Spanish and European champions on a free transfer.

A number of clubs, including AC Milan, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, have been linked with the Spaniard, who is believed to be planning to see out for the campaign with Real Madrid before departing.

However, there have also been suggestions that Barcelona are keen on the attacker, with a recent report claiming that a preliminary four-year deal had already been agreed.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi is a huge admirer of Asensio and wants the versatile forward to be a part of his first-team squad for the 2023-24 campaign.

The former Mallorca youngster moved to Bernabeu in July 2015, and he has represented Real Madrid on 242 occasions in all competitions, contributing 50 goals and 24 assists in the process.

Asensio has also won three La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns during a highly-successful period in the Spanish capital.

The Spaniard was recently asked about the reported interest from Barcelona and refused to rule out a switch to Camp Nou.

"I haven't thought about it. I can't give you an answer right now. Many friends have told me about the news that Barca want to sign me," he told COPE.

"I've received about 200 messages. There are a lot of rumours and a lot of things we don't know. In 2023 I will be able to sign with any club because my contract ends."

Asensio was in the Spain squad for their recent UEFA Nations League matches and is in contention to feature at the World Cup despite his lack of action for Real Madrid this term. body check tags ::