Barcelona 'cannot afford to sack Ronald Koeman'

Barcelona do not have the financial means to sack Ronald Koeman from his managerial post, according to a report.

The Dutchman endured a turbulent first season at the helm last term, winning the Copa del Rey but falling to a third-placed finish in La Liga before being given a vote of confidence by Joan Laporta.

However, Barcelona now find themselves eighth in the La Liga table amid a challenging start to the campaign, with Koeman sent off in Thursday's goalless draw with Cadiz.

The Blaugrana board have supposedly drawn up a five-man shortlist of candidates to replace Koeman should he be given the boot over the next international break, but the Daily Mail reports that Barca simply cannot afford to relieve the 58-year-old of his duties.

The report adds that Koeman would be in line for a £10.3m severance package if he is to be sacked, and as a result the former Netherlands boss remains relaxed about his situation in Catalonia.

Xavi and Roberto Martinez are among those who have been tipped to succeed Koeman, who has won 37 of his 60 games in charge of Barcelona.