Xavi wants to take Sterling to Barcelona if he becomes their manager (Mail)

Barcelona legend Xavi wants to bring Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling to Spain if he eventually becomes their manager - according to Daily Mail.

Sterling has established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League under Pep Guardiola's tutelage and has been linked with a switch to Real Madrid in the last week.

The Spanish giants are reportedly keeping tabs on the England international ahead of a record-breaking transfer bid.

According to Mail Online, Barcelona have joined the race to sign the forward and Xavi has identified the 24-year-old as the perfect signing if he was ever appointed manager.

Xavi is currently managing Al-Sadd in Qatar but is tipped to return to the Nou Camp in the future, with Ernesto Valverde under increasing pressure to deliver results.

The report claims that Barcelona's interest in Sterling would accelerate if Xavi was given the reigns.

However, Man City would not countenance selling after securing last year's new contract until 2023.