Barcelona ‘open talks’ with Prem legend about becoming manager with bizarre clause that will let him keep current job

BARCELONA have contacted Portugal boss Roberto Martinez over the prospect of replacing Xavi in the dugout this summer, reports suggest.

The Barca manager has announced he will leave his post in June once the season is complete and club chiefs are rigorously searching for his replacement.

A number of candidates have been touted, including the likes of Barcelona B coach Rafa Marquez, ex-Germany and Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has also been linked with the Blaugrana but he quickly dismissed those rumours as “totally fake news”.

According to FootballTransfers, however, Barcelona have approached Martinez, 50, over the possibility of taking over the top job at the Nou Camp.

The Catalan giants are offering the ex-Swansea, Wigan and Everton boss an initial one-year deal with the option for one more.

Barcelona are also on board with the Spanish tactician juggling his current job as Portugal’s head coach, which will allow him to continue working with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.

Barca have been keeping tabs on the Premier League hero for a long time as they almost signed him in 2021 before ultimately turning to Xavi following Ronald Koeman’s dismissal.

Club president Joan Laporta is a big admirer of Martinez, who has close ties to Barcelona because of his relationship with the Cruyff family.

The ex-Wigan star is godfather to one of the sons of Jordi Cruyff, who is the son of Barcelona legend Johan.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

Reports suggest Martinez has previously expressed interest in coaching the Spanish giants.

The Catalan head coach is no stranger to success as he shocked the world when he won the FA Cup with Wigan in 2013 after beating Manchester City in the final.

He also led Belgium to third place in the 2018 World Cup as well as the top spot in the FIFA rankings.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk