BARCELONA legend Xavi is lining up a move for Raheem Sterling – if he takes over as manager of the Spanish giants.
Sterling has emerged as one of the biggest stars in world football over the past few years having become integral to Manchester City’s all-conquering side.
And according to the Mail , Xavi is desperate to work with the England forward – and believes he should be targeted by Barca when he finally becomes their manager.
The Spanish maestro, 39, is currently learning the management ropes as coach of Qatar side Al Sadd.
But it is expected he will be drafted in to the Nou Camp hot-seat whenever current boss Ernesto Valverde leaves his position.
And the report claims if that happens, Barcelona will step up their interest in trying to sign 24-year-old Sterling – even if it takes £150million to buy him
City have no intention of selling one of their best players, especially just a year after he signed a new long-term deal until 2023.
That £300,000-a-week contract reflected Sterling’s status as one of the biggest stars at the club.
But the former Liverpool player has admitted previously that he would be open to the idea of trying his luck abroad at some stage in his career.
And having the opportunity to work with someone as revered as Xavi would be a huge temptation to anyone.
Real Madrid have mad their interest in Sterling well known over the past 18 months, and even invited his representatives to Spain for preliminary discussions.
But after Xavi recently claimed he believes Sterling will succeed Lionel Messi as the best player in the world, the groundwork already appears to be being put in place for a Barca push to get a deal.
