Xavi steps in to accelerate Gavi contract talks

Barcelona head coach Xavi will intervene in contract talks with Gavi in order to help get the youngster to sign a new deal.

The 17-year-old's current terms expire at the end of the 2022/23 season and Barça are desperately trying to tie him down to a fresher deal.

Gavi has already played 35 times for the Blaugrana this season and his importance to the team is ever increasing, with comparisons being made to Pedri's quick rise to prominence last year.

And Sport report that Xavi will personally step in and help contract talks along as he is desperate to ensure that Gavi's long term future will be at Camp Nou.

Xavi is said to have a good relationship with Gavi's agent, former Espanyol and Spain star Ivan de la Pena, and the coach will put forward his vision for the midfielder. Gavi's concern is that he wants to be paid what his ability merits despite his young age.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for the Spain international since he broke into the Barcelona first team, with Jurgen Klopp a keen admirer.

Despite only being in the dugout for five months, Xavi recently insisted that he believes he is having a positive influence on the recruitment front.

"For me, this is the best club in the world. And, honestly, not a single player has said no to Barcelona since I have been here," he said in a press conference in March.