Al Sadd confirm interest in Xavi

Qatari Stars League side Al Sadd have confirmed their interest in signing Xavi Hernandez during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Earlier this week, the Spanish press reported the Barcelona maestro was on the verge of joining Al Sadd, and it appears such rumours were spot on.

“(Al Sadd) confirms the latest news about the club’s interest in signing the Spanish star Xavi Hernandez is still under negotiation,” read a statement on the club’s official website.

“On the matter, the FC Barcelona player is currently in Doha with his family to know more about the country he would live in if he were to decide to join the club.

“The club would make any further official announcements only if further developments take place.”

Xavi has tallied one goal and five assists in 21 La Liga appearances for Barcelona this season.

Schmeichel: Ibra built for Man Utd

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has encouraged Louis van Gaal to contemplate a move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Ibrahimovic, who was linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer, is contracted to the Parc des Princes until the summer of 2016, and may be one of LVG’s transfer targets come July.

According to Schmeichel, the Sweden international, 33, could have a similar impact to Eric Cantona if he were to arrive in Manchester when the transfer window re-opens in the summer.

“Last summer, there were rumours that he would come to Manchester United,” Schmeichel told L’Equipe. I then said that Zlatan was built for the club, he was born to play there.

“It’s why Cantona was so strong when he was there, not at Leeds or in all other clubs in France? Why? Because it is Manchester United. In Manchester, there was the freedom given to the players, but also responsibilities.

“We do not care who you are or what you love, we look at what you’re doing on the pitch and the influence you have in the club. If you do not respect that, you’re leaving.

“But you can have any personality. Beckham, Cantona… they could go out and also be at their best. There are hundreds of players who are trying to be a Beckham or Cantona, but do not have the personality, and they fail.”

Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic, who has bagged 17 goals and three assists in 21 French Ligue 1 appearances for PSG in 2014/15, has maintained he does not intend to leave the club in the near future.

“I like it in France,” he said at a news conference ahead of Sweden’s UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier against Moldova. “I would not have played there for so long and I would not have renewed my contract if I did not like it.

“All the others, all that b*******, they just want to pull me down from the top but I will not go. I like it on top. That’s where I’ll stay.”