Barcelona Transfer News: Xavi to New York City FC Move On, Hakan Calhanoglu Eyed

Xavi Hernandez could soon be on his way to the MLS after a reported meeting was held ahead of his proposed move to New York City FC.

Cadena SER (h/t AS) reports that the Spanish midfielder "is set to become" an NYCFC star in 2016. It is suggested Xavi, plus his father and agent, attended a meeting with "a Manchester City representative" at L'Arrosseria Xativa in Barcelona. Manchester City, of course, are the parent club of the newly formed Big Apple side.

The aforementioned article indicates a "tentative approval" was given for Xavi to make the switch to the United States. This would end a career-long association with Barcelona, the team he made his debut for in 1998.

However, Xavi has denied that any MLS deal is done, via Sam Marsden of Sport.

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There's no doubt Xavi's on-pitch importance has diminished over the last two seasons, however, so this could allow the 35-year-old to significantly extend his career.

The MLS is becoming a popular post-peak hunting ground for European stars—with icons such as David Beckham and Thierry Henry earning plaudits in the division over the last few years—meaning Xavi's creative playmaking presence could soon thrill an American audience.

NYCFC sporting director Claudio Reyna recently admitted he is "very interested in 'franchise' players, like Xavi," per told Catalan TV station TV3 (h/t AS). The New York club has already attracted Xavi's former Barca team-mate David Villa, who scored the side's first-ever goal in pre-season, per the MLS:

Manchester City midfielder Frank Lampard is also set to join the club at the end of the Premier League season, suggesting he could partner with Xavi in the developing team's centre. Most European clubs would still welcome this duo, such is the quality they offer, despite their age.

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Allowing Xavi to leave in 2016 would most likely work for both clubs. Barca can't afford to ditch squad members while their transfer ban runs, but when this ends in January of next year, it's likely significant investments will be made. Xavi may find himself surplus to requirements at this point.

Sam Marsden of Sport believes Barca sporting director Ariedo Braida is keen on pursuing Bayer Leverkusen's Hakan Calhanoglu, with the club reportedly "weighing up an offer which would include Martin Montoya."

The Turkish youngster has genuine star quality—scoring nine and assisting four in 33 appearances all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com—and promises to only get better as he develops. His free-kicks are also special, noted below:

Xavi's potential departure has been speculated about for a while. His tenure has perhaps been extended by the transfer ban, something Barca fans certainly won't mind. Luis Enrique will be looking to refresh his midfield options as soon as possible, though, which means aging players may be cut.

This is all part of the club's transition, which, as already hinted, continues to be halted by FIFA's imposed restriction.