Rumour: Manchester City targets Xavi Hernandez

Xavi on Manchester City’s radar

Manchester City is keen on roping in Barcelona’s midfield maestro Xavi Hernandez in 2015, after his contract expires with his current club.

Reportedly, Manchester City would launch a new franchise team in USA’s Major League Soccer (MLS) by next year, i.e, 2015. Accordingly they would like to bring in the Spanish midfielder to kicks-tart their campaign in MLS in style.

Xavi had always said that he would love to finish his football career in Barcelona, but last week he was quoted saying, “Being tied to Barcelona is a privilege, but I don’t know what will happen in the future.”

This comment of the midfielder triggered speculations that another MLS side New York Red Bulls might try to sign the maestro. It was believed that the club would use their veteran striker Thierry Henry to convince his ex-team mate.

Manchester City officials would love to get the services of the legendary midfielder. This marquee signing would be perfect for the team where they have invested more the £300 million.

However both Man City’s chief executive Ferran Soriano and director of football Txiki Begiristainhave insisted that New York City FC (New franchise team)  manager Jason Kreis will choose which players he signs, providing they fit the club’s style.

Begiristain said:“We have a philosophy that we want to play, that we like and the people like, and after that, we sign the coach. After that, he is free.”

Soriano said: “These are broad concepts, but very strong. We would never choose a manager, whether it is Manuel Pellegrini in Manchester or Jason here, that would not believe in those pillars. On those pillars, he can build whatever he wants.”