Barcelona head coach Xavi has revealed that he is planning to keep hold of Marc Casado amid the recent speculation surrounding the midfielder's future.

The 20-year-old has only made four first-team appearances for the Catalan giants this season, and there have been suggestions that he could leave Camp Nou this summer.

Casado's deal is due to expire at the end of June, but the club have an option to activate an additional 12 months, which is expected to occur.

Xavi has said that he wants to keep hold of the Spaniard, who is set to be involved in Barcelona's pre-season preparations before a final decision is made on his future.

"Marc Casado is a footballer that I personally like, he has character, he competes. The idea is for him to continue and do at least the pre-season with us," Xavi told reporters.

Casado 'set to remain at Barcelona this summer'

Casado, who joined Barcelona's youth system at the age of 13, has made 61 appearances for Barcelona B, including 25 outings during the 2023-24 campaign.

The midfielder was again left out of the squad against Real Sociedad on Monday night, but he recently featured in the league matches with Atletico Madrid and Cadiz.

Casado could be involved in Thursday's La Liga game with Almeria, when Barcelona will be looking to boost their chances of finishing second in the table.

"They deserve more points than they have. They are now free from pressure after the confirmation of their relegation," Xavi told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

"They will play quietly with nothing to lose with quality players who know how to play well against big teams. They are not in a bad time. The result depends on us."

Xavi provides update on club's transfer plans

Xavi also insisted that his club are planning to be active during the upcoming market despite their well-documented financial problems.

"We will decide with the fair play but it's not the time to respond," he added. "The president (Joan Laporta) and Deco are positive but the economic issue will mark our sports planning.

"We are going to try to compete (with Madrid). The situation is difficult economically and is nothing like it was twenty-five years ago. Now we are not in the same conditions with clubs with better fair play.

"The fans should know. It doesn't mean that we don't try to achieve the goals. Twenty-five years ago, the coach came and said 'I love this one, this one and this one'.

"It doesn't work like that anymore. I understand it and that's how we're going to adjust to it. That doesn't mean we're not going to compete. We need stability and time. There are good things to compete."

Barcelona will face Almeria, Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla in their final three league games of the season. body check tags ::