Reuters

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal recently approached Barcelona wantaway legend Xavi Hernandez regarding a summer move to Old Trafford, reports in Spain claim.

The 34-year-old still has two more years on his contract at the Nou Camp but after a dramatic loss of form last season Barcelona are reportedly likely to part ways with him.

Indeed, Barcelona manager Luis Enrique suggested earlier during his unveiling as the new Catalan boss that Xavi will be part of the expected summer clear-out at the Nou Camp.

"He's a friend and former team-mate. I could say great things about him. The time will come to sit down and talk and assess what we all want. We'll wait before deciding things," Luis Enrique said.

Mundo Deportivo says Van Gaal approached a very close friend of Xavi to know the midfielder's plans for the future after Enrique's pronouncements.

Even though Xavi looks past his best, Mundo Deportivo says the Dutch manager has no doubt that he still can play at the highest level in the Premier League.

Van Gaal knows Xavi really well as he was the manager who gave him, Victor Valdes and Andres Iniesta their debuts in Barcelona's first team.

However, Mundo Deportivo claim the player himself rejected a move to Old Trafford because after 16 seasons at the Nou Camp he is both mentally and physically tired and would like to end his career in a minor league.

Recent reports in Spain claimed he was set to leave his childhood team to join Qatar-based outfit Al-Arabi SC.

Nevertheless, last-minute complications with Al-Arabi have halted the negotiations and his future is again up in the air.