BARCELONA midfielder and former Spain international Xavi Hernandez is close to agreeing a deal to join Al Sadd, the Qatari side said Saturday.

    The 35-year-old has played for Barca a record 751 times since he graduated from the academy to the first team in 1998 but has had limited playing time this season under coach Luis Enrique.

    “Al Sadd Sports Club confirms that the latest news about bringing the Spanish star Xavi Hernandez to the club is still under negotiation,” Al Sadd said on its website (www.al-saddclub.com).

    Spanish media reported last week that Xavi was poised to sign a three-year deal with Al Sadd worth 10 million euros (US$10.9 million) a season with an option for a further season.

    One of the most decorated soccer players of all time, Xavi represented Spain 133 times, a record for an outfield player and only bettered by captain Iker Casillas.(SD-Agencies)