Report: Barcelona lining up ex-Real Betis boss Quique Setien

Barcelona have reportedly turned their attention to former Real Betis boss Quique Setien as a replacement for Ernesto Valverde.

Despite taking training with the Spanish champions on Monday, Valverde is expected to lose his job in the coming days on the back of last week's Supercopa de Espana semi-final loss to Atletico Madrid.

Club legend Xavi has already been approached by Barca chiefs but is believed to have rejected the chance to succeed Valverde midway through the season.

According to the Evening Standard, Setien is next on the La Liga giants' list of possible options and his agent is in Catalonia for negotiations.

Setien, out of work since leaving Betis at the end of last season, will apparently be offered the job on a short-term basis until the summer.

Barcelona are top of La Liga after 19 matches and return to action on Sunday with a home match against Granada.