Barcelona boss Xavi has played down speculation linking the Catalan giants with Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Braut Haaland.

Earlier this week, club president Joan Laporta held discussions with the player's agent Mino Raiola, who also has other clients on his books.

Nevertheless, despite Barcelona known to be struggling financially, talk persists that the Spanish side will attempt to sign Haaland in the summer.

However, Xavi is taking a different approach to the subject, telling Marca: "Everything said now is hypothetical.

"Barcelona have to be aware of the market and it's true that we need reinforcements, but we'll see what happens."

A wide range of clubs, including Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, have all been credited with an interest in the 21-year-old.