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Xavi coy on Barcelona's reported interest in Martin Zubimendi

Xavi coy on Barcelona's reported interest in Martin Zubimendi
© Reuters
Barcelona head coach Xavi refuses to discuss a possible move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Barcelona head coach Xavi was not prepared to discuss a possible move for Martin Zubimendi when asked about the Real Sociedad midfielder on Saturday.

During his press conference to preview the La Liga contest with Getafe, the Catalan outfit's manager was questioned on Zubimendi, who continues to be heavily linked with a switch to Camp Nou.

Barcelona are thought to view the 23-year-old as the ideal replacement for Sergio Busquets, who could depart the La Liga giants on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Xavi said that he was not prepare to speak about players at other clubs, although Zubimendi is expected to feature when the two sides meet in the Copa del Rey next week.

"I don't like to talk about players under contract with other teams. We will try to be better than Real Sociedad in the Copa, but we are now focused on tomorrow's (Sunday's) game. We've lost four points at home and we can't lose any more," he told reporters.

FC Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on January 8, 2023© Reuters

"It's always important to play at home. For us, Camp Nou is an advantage, a guarantee. I think we've been drawn against the best team in Spanish football. Real Sociedad are in a tremendous moment. The draw hasn't gone badly, but we have to prove it on the pitch."

Barcelona have allowed Memphis Depay to move to Atletico Madrid, which has potentially opened up space for another forward to arrive during the January market.

However, Xavi has insisted that he is not desperate for reinforcements this month.

"If we can reinforce, all the better, but we depend solely and exclusively on fair play. At the moment, things are difficult," the head coach added.

"I haven't asked for any reinforcements, I've already said that I'm fine as I am. I'm happy and if not we'll pull from the reserve team and if not we'll pull from the youth team.

Barcelona manager Xavi pictured in September 2022© Reuters

"I'm delighted with the squad, I have no complaints and I haven't asked for anything.

"Honestly, I haven't asked for any signings. It's difficult to improve the squad we have. It's not easy to find an important player in winter. If we stay as we are, I'll be very happy."

Zubimendi signed a new contract with Real Sociedad last October, with his current deal now running until June 2027, but it is understood that he could still leave this summer.

The Spaniard has made 22 appearances at club level this season, contributing one goal and three assists in the process, but he was suspended for Saturday's La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano.

Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the central midfielder, who has made 120 appearances for Real Sociedad since debuting for the first team in April 2019.

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FC Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on January 8, 2023
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