Barcelona have reportedly made progress in their bid to sign Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez.
The Catalan giants were recently searching for a new manager after Xavi initially confirmed his intention to leave the club this summer.
However, the Barcelona boss has made a U-turn and will now stay in his post for the 2024-25 campaign, leaving the club to focus on strengthening their squad ahead of next term.
Barcelona are keen to bring in a new defensive midfielder, with Oriol Romeu set to depart at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old has been unable to establish himself in the Barcelona side after completing a move from Girona last summer.
Barcelona earmark Rodriguez as Romeu replacement
Romeu has started just 11 of his 24 La Liga appearances, with Xavi preferring to utilise the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen as the pivot.
With Romeu expected to be moved on in the summer, Sport are reporting that Barcelona have identified Rodriguez as a potential replacement.
Barcelona are believed to be making progress in their pursuit of Rodriguez, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
The report claims that both parties recently held a positive meeting and are working towards finalising a two-year contract, with an option for a further 12 months.
Rodriguez is also attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, but he is favouring a move to Barcelona, especially following the news that Xavi will remain at the club.
Why do Barcelona want to sign Rodriguez?
Barcelona have been linked with a number of midfielders, including Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich and Everton's Amadou Onana.
However, those three players would all command transfer fees, which could prove a stumbling block due to Barcelona's financial situation.
In contrast, Rodriguez represents a cost-effective option, with the 30-year-old set to become a free agent when his deal runs out at the end of June.
The Argentina international has also proven himself in the Spanish top flight, having spent the last four years plying his trade at the Benito Villamarin.
Rodriguez missed around three months of the current campaign with an ankle problem, but he has still managed to register two goals and one assist in 25 competitive appearances. body check tags ::
