‘Gavi will not be happy at any club’ – Xavi urges Barcelona midfielder to shun Chelsea

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has revealed he would like Spain international Gavi to remain at the Catalan club.

The teenager has been heavily linked with Chelsea, who are reportedly ready to make him the highest earner in the Premier League, but Xavi wants to see the star remain at Camp Nou.

The 18-year-old has established himself as one of Barcelona’s outstanding stars and has also made his impact felt with the Spain national team. He has 19 caps already for La Roja, including four appearances at the World Cup in Qatar.

Barcelona could lose the highly-rated youngster on a free transfer owing to a contract registration dispute with La Liga, but Xavi is confident he will choose to remain with the club.

"I don’t think Gavi would be happy at another club," Xavi said when asked about the midfielder’s potential exit this summer. "He has everything here. He is 18 years old. He’s a key player on our team.

"For me, he’s a footballer that is outstanding. I don’t know what he’ll decide, but I think his future is here at the club."

Gavi agreed to a long term contract that includes a €1 billion (£883m) release clause, in September. However, La Liga claims Barcelona cannot afford his €8m (£7.1 million)-a-year salary and has successfully blocked the deal.

Barcelona have appealed La Liga’s block, and until they succeed, Gavi will be on his Juvenil A contract, which means he will be available to sign as a free agent until his registration is allowed.

Other Premier League clubs that have been linked with Gvai are Manchester City and Liverpool, although reports indicate Chelsea have held talks with him with the intention of a summer move.