FC Barcelona have reportedly identified a certain coach in the Premier League to replace Xavi Hernandez next season.
Xavi surprisingly confirmed last month that he will be leaving the Catalan giants at the end of the campaign.
The likes of Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and former Barcelona player Rafael Marquez have been linked with the role ahead of the new season.
Read: Klopp talks up his Liverpool successor?
According to Diario Sport, Barcelona have made Brighton and Hove Albion coach Roberto de Zerbi their top candidate to replace Xavi at the helm.
The Italian tactician had taken Brighton to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League and a FA Cup semi-final last season.
The report adds that Barcelona president Joan Laporta is a fan of how De Zerbi deals with the players and his overall personal demeanor.
The Brighton coach spoke this week about bigger clubs being interested in his services.
"When I hear the big teams are interested in me, it's an honor, but my focus is on my work day by day," the Brighton coach told Sky Sports.
"About the future? I want to compete in the best way I can, I want to understand the plan and then it's not a problem to work at a big team. I would like in my career to compete to win the Premier League, Serie A, the, Bundesliga, Champions league - but there isn't a time when have to go."
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