Barcelona face a potential financial battle to bear Roberto De Zerbi as their new summer coach.
Xavi Hernandez he will leave his role at the end of the current campaign with the search underway to bring in his successor.
The Catalan giants are yet to officially confirm their plans to succeed the former Spain international, but a list has been drawn up by the club.
Among the candidates that are considered is Brighton & Hove Albion boss De Zerbi after a strong 12 months at the AMEX Stadium for the Italian.
De Zerbi dismissed any speculation about the links as a distraction but he admitted he may have a decision to make in the coming months.
According to the latest update from Sports newspaperthe main problem is financial, with De Zerbi contracted to Brighton until 2026.
Brighton will demand his full €15m (£12.8m) release clause to sanction an exit with Liverpool also consider him as an option to take charge at Anfield.
Barcelona is not in a position to pay the full clause and could try to negotiate a lower payment and a possible sale of the player.
