Cash-strapped Barcelona have given Xavi permission to be active in the January transfer market, according to SPORT.

Xavi, 41, rejoined his boyhood club as head coach this month in the knowledge he’d have little money to spend. He has already added veteran former team-mate Dani Alves, 38, on a free transfer, but wants to complete further business this winter.

The Catalan sports newspaper has stated that pre-existing plans drawn up by predecessor Ronald Koeman highlighted the addition of a physical midfielder. Xavi, however, wants to instead sign a forward who can score 15 goals, is available on a six-month loan, is playing few minutes for their clubs and is at an advanced age.

Manchester City and England attacker Raheem Sterling had been considered, but his price is proving a major obstacle.