Antonio Conte 'in the running for Barcelona job despite Xavi talk'

Barcelona have reportedly not ruled out appointing Antonio Conte as head coach despite suggestions that Xavi is closing in on a return to the club as Ronald Koeman's replacement.

The Catalan giants are searching for a new manager after deciding to relieve Koeman of his duties, and Xavi has already allegedly agreed to leave his role at Al Sadd to return to Camp Nou.

However, according to the Daily Mail, Conte is still in the running, with the Italian seemingly being ruled out by Manchester United despite a host of speculation.

The Red Devils have allegedly cooled their interest in the Italian due to the cost of his appointment, with the English giants instead switching their attention to Leicester City's Brendan Rodgers, as the speculation surrounding Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's future continues.

Conte won three Serie A titles with Juventus before leading Chelsea to the Premier League trophy and FA Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.

The 52-year-old lifted the Serie A title with Inter Milan last term, meanwhile, but left the San Siro giants due to disagreements with the board over the club's finances.