Xavi renewal talks still going on

Barcelona sports paper Sport claims that the negotiations on the contract renewal of Barcelona attacking midfielder and Spanish international Xavi (28), whose current contract expires in 2010, are still going on (read more here).

Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain would already have met seven times with Iván Corretja, Xavi's agent. The last time was last Wednesday. While Barcelona had hoped to close a deal before the end of October, this doesn't seem to be possible at this stage.

Although the negotiation are well-advanced and the player could sign until 2014, there still would be serious differences about the salary. Xavi would want to be promoted to the second level of top earners, alongside for example Puyol.

Asked about a possible renewal, Joaquim Henrnández, the father of the player, has said in an interview with Catalan radio station Com Ràdio that his son plans to sign the renewal: "Every year, Xavi has received offers from other clubs but his mind is made up. As long as Barcelona wants him, he doesn't want to go nowhere.

It's normal that Barcelona now wants to offer him a long-term contract. Both parties have the same goal, so there won't be any problem. He will sign for three or four more years. He's happy to be here and his dream is to end his career with Barcelona. After that he would like to work with young players at the youth academy."

Catalan sports weekly Gol claims that Xavi, who has a buyout clause of 60 million euro°, has already confirmed to Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola that he would want to stay with the club.

Barcelona would offer Xavi a renewal until 2013 or 2014 and could offer him almost the double of his current salary. Several European top clubs are following the events, ready to make a move if things don't go like expected.

Read more:
Xavi could be offered contract for life
Xavi: "There's no bigger Barcelona fan than me"
Messi, Xavi and Eto'o candidates for Golden Ball