Former Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova is reportedly in poor health at the Chiron Clinic following a lengthy battle with throat cancer.

The 45-year-old, who was replaced by Tata Martino last summer at Camp Nou, had a tumour removed from his parotid gland in November 2011.

Vilanova, who was forced to step down from his job due to a relapse, is believed to have been rushed to hospital for surgery on Thursday due to gastric complications, according to Radio Nacional.

Reports have claimed that Vilanova has been visited in the clinic by a number of friends and family.