Replacing Xavi looks far from straightforward for Barcelona.

With the club legend announcing he will step down at the end of the season, things are hotting up for one of the biggest managerial vacancies in world football.

Initial reports from Spain claimed that Bologna’s Thiago Motta is heading the list, but things have now been complicated.

German media giants BILD say that former treble-winning Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick is also a favourite of Barca president Joan Laporta.

Meanwhile, current Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel has also opened the door to the Catalans.

Having previously admitted that he felt more respected in England, the German surprised the audience at a fan event by saying: “Managing abroad definitely appeals to me again.

“Spain has an exceptional league. The Spanish professionals I have worked with so far in my career are characterized by an incredible amount of self-confidence.”