Barcelona boss Xavi called Sergio Busquets a "fundamental" player for the club while discussing his contract situation at Camp Nou.

The 34-year-old has again been an important player for the Catalan outfit during the 2022-23 campaign, making 16 appearances in all competitions, including 12 outings in La Liga.

Busquets's contract is due to expire next June, though, and there remains uncertainty surrounding his future.

The former Spain captain is believed to be considering a move to the MLS to join Inter Miami, but it has recently been claimed that he is now leaning towards staying with Barcelona for another season.

There have also been suggestions that the midfielder could sign a short-term deal until December 2023 before making the move to North America at the start of 2024.

Xavi has said that he is yet to speak to Busquets about signing a new deal, but the club will "try to convince him" to continue at Camp Nou.

"He has a contract until June and then we will see. It's more a personal feeling of his. How he sees himself in the team, for me, he is fundamental," Xavi told reporters.

"It will depend on him, more than on the club and me, but we will try to convince him.

"Busquets still has six months left on his contract. We are focused on what happens this season and we have a lot at stake. We can't make plans. I haven't spoken to Busquets yet about continuing."

Xavi also said that January will be "a quiet market" for the club despite claims that new players could arrive.

"It will be a quiet market. I'm happy with those who are here and we will compete with them. I'm delighted with the squad we have, we only have the loss of [Gerard] Pique, I prefer that no one leaves and I'm very happy with these players," he added.

The Barcelona head coach also said that Ousmane Dembele is "very happy" amid speculation surrounding the France international's future, as he prepares to enter the final 18 months of his contract.

"He's fine, he's happy, I see him very happy. It seems like a failure to reach a final as a starter. In another sport he would be a silver medallist, I think he has been at a high level both at the World Cup and with us. He will continue to be a key player," Xavi continued.

Barcelona will be back in La Liga action on Saturday night against Catalan rivals Espanyol. body check tags ::