Barcelona Legend Xavi Rejected Manchester United And Bayern Munich

Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez rejected approaches from both Manchester United and Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window, according to reports in Spain.

The 34-year-old midfielder has two more years on his contract at the Nou Camp, but his future at the Catalan giants was under increasing scrutiny this summer following the arrival of new manager Luis Enrique.

Nevertheless, the midfielder has started the new campaign on the bench – with both Ivan Rakitic and Rafinha ahead of him in Enrique's pecking order.

Reports earlier in the summer claimed Xavi had eventually decided to leave Barcelona to end his career in a minor league – with Qatar-based outfit Al-Arabi SC as his most likely destination.

Last minute complication finally blocked his move to Qatar while Mundo Deportivo reports the Spanish legend also received offers from both United and Bayern.

Louis Van Gaal knows the Spanish tiki-taka maestro really well as he was the manager who handed him his debut in Barcelona's first team - alongside Andres Iniesta and Victor Valdes - and wanted him to fill the gap left by Paul Scholes in the creative midfielder role.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola (who also coached Xavi during his successful spell in La Liga), reportedly approached the Spanish star after Toni Kroos left the German side to move to Real Madrid.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi turned down their proposals as he didn't want to play for a side that could eventually rival Barcelona in the Champions League.

At the same time, the reports added that Xavi also snubbed a £10m per year offer from former Swansea boss Michael Laudrup to join Qatar's Lekhwiya.

So with Xavi remaining at Barcelona, Manchester United signed Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao for £29m, while Bayern turned their attention to former Liverpool hero Xabi Alonso.