Xavi wants to make Nico the new Busquets

Xavi Hernandez is conjuring up his squad for what will be his first full season in charge of Barcelona. Since his arrival at the club, there have been comings, goings and renewals to deal with.

One of those who were threatening to pack their bags was Nico Gonzalez. The centre-midfielder wants more minutes to continue his development and he was eyeing up a loan move to to facilitate this.

However, Xavi has haulted his departure. 'AS' reports that the Barcelona manager wants to make Nico the new Sergio Busquets. The young talent will be used in the central defensive-midfielder pivot role.

Last season, Nico played in centre-midfield and was given few minutes on the pitch due to the starting front three. On top of this, Gavi started ahead of him. The player could be forgiven for thinking that he would get fewer minutes still next season after the recent arrival of Kessie.

However, Xavi's plan to convert him into a number 5 could see Nico being given more time on the pitch next season and perhaps even take on the batton from Sergio Busquets.

Not only does Xavi want to secure the present, but also the future of a position that no one else has managed to push Busquets out of in the last decade.