Xavi ‘gives green light’ to Dani Alves Barcelona return

Alves has won won a total of 23 trophies with Barca

New Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has reportedly given his approval to signing former teammate Dani Alves, according to Marca. The Brazilian right-back has been been out of contract since leaving Sao Paulo in September and is keen on a return to the Camp Nou. The Catalan giants have been holding talks with Alves - who captained his nation to the Olympic gold medal in summer - in recent weeks, with Xavi now keen to make the 38-year-old his first signing when the January transfer window opens. Alves was a VIP guest at Barca’s Champions League tie against Dynamo Kiev earlier this month amid rumours of a return to Spain. During his time with Barcelona, the Brazilian won a total of 23 trophies - including six La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns - between 2008 and 2016, registering nearly 400 appearances for the Blaugrana. https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1459153467847675908 It is thought that the Spanish outfit want Alves to become a leader within their somewhat young squad, with the club keen for the player to arrive with the squad as soon as possible to acclimatise with his new teammates, as per the Catalan-based Diario Sport. Xavi believes that the defender can help to solve an issue of depth at right-back, with the Spaniard viewing Sergi Roberto as a midfielder and Oscar Mingueza as a central defender - both of whom have been forced to play at full-back during Sergino Dest's absence. Alves is the most decorated player in world football, having enjoyed success at a number of clubs. As well as Barcelona and Sao Paulo, he has represented Bahia, Sevilla, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. Following the news that Sergio Agüero has been sidelines for three months, the Catalan side are also keen to add an extra forward in the January transfer window. Related links:

• The eight rules Xavi has implemented at Barcelona
• Dani Alves says he’s open to Barcelona return
• Barcelona confirm Sergio Aguero is out for three months after hospital tests