There are a host of disappointed faces here in the Football Transfer Tavern, as Metro claim that Xavi will be remaining in La Liga with Barcelona.

As one of our punters notes, it was not so long ago that we were hearing rumours of a potential move to the Premier League with his contract being run down, yet the player have moved to put us all out of our misery and has pledged his devotion to Barcelona until he hangs up his boots.

One of our punters even quips that Xavi is likely to stay with Barca even after retirement with the midfielder likely to remain at the Catalan side as a member of the coaching staff.

Xavi is one of the greatest midfield talents of a generation and has ruled the middle of the park with what seems like his constant companion, Andres Iniesta, and we were always a little bit put out that he did not fancy a move to England.

The player himself was asked about the speculation – which was heavily centred around Manchester United – and rubbished the claims.

When he spoke to The Sun,he noted: “There was always talk United or Chelsea or [Manchester] City or Arsenal wanted to sign me but never anything concrete.

“I want to be here forever. If I am not at Barcelona, I will always be thinking of Barca. If I had played for City, United, Arsenal or Chelsea, I’d keep asking what is going on at Barca – my club.”

Surely Manchester United need an up and coming talent like Ross Barkley rather than a soon-to-retire legend like Xavi? Let us know your thoughts below.

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