Xavi unlikely to leave in January

Catalan daily newspaper El Mundo Deportivo understands that Xavi Hernandez has no plans to quit Barcelona in the January window.

The Spain international recently hinted he was unhappy by the lack of playing time, which sparked speculation linking him with a winter exit.

However, El Mundo Deportivo is adamant Xavi does not want to leave the club midway through the season and will wait until next summer before making a decision on his future.

The 34-year-old was widely expected to leave last summer, but he ultimately decided to remain for another year.

However, he was since mostly restricted to substitute appearances, starting just two of first seven league fixtures for the club.

The player, who has scored 56 goals in 478 league matches for Barcelona, is clearly nearing the Camp Nou exit, some 23 years since joining the club’s youth ranks. Xavi has retired from international football after the 2014 World Cup.