Barcelona are reportedly hoping to confirm the appointment of Xavi as the club’s new manager this week.

The Catalan giants relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties in October, and interim manager Sergi Barjuan has overseen a draw with Alaves and narrow Champions League win over Dynamo Kiev so far.

Xavi has been widely regarded as the favourite to succeed Koeman at Camp Nou, although a recent report claimed that Al-Sadd were ‘furious’ with Barca’s public interest in their former midfielder.

However, the Blaugrana are seemingly set to get their man either way, as the Daily Mail claims that the club are expecting to reveal Xavi as their new manager on Thursday.

The report adds that Barjuan will remain in charge for Saturday’s La Liga trip to Celta Vigo before Xavi takes the reins for the first time against Espanyol on November 18.

Xavi has won 62 of his 90 games in charge of Al-Sadd and previously made 767 appearances for Barcelona during a glittering 17-year spell in the first team.