Joan Laporta admits he has talked to Xavi about becoming Barcelona boss

Former midfielder Xavi, currently in charge of Qatari club Al Sadd, is the heavy favourite to be Ronald Koeman’s replacement

Xavi Hernandez is the frontrunner to be the new Barcelona boss (Martin Rickett/PA)

Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits he has been in contact with Xavi over the last few weeks but refused to confirm whether he will take over from Ronald Koeman at the Nou Camp.

Koeman was sacked as manager after Wednesday’s defeat at Rayo Vallecano left Barca well off the pace in LaLiga, with Laporta conceding he should have made the decision sooner.