Barcelona coach Xavi hasn't dropped interest in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Zubimendi had been identified as an eventual successor for Sergi Busquets, who is set to leave at the end of this season.

The La Real ace was the favoured option for Xavi, though any move appeared off after he penned a new deal a fortnight ago to 2027.

However, Sport says a move remains on as it has been revealed Zubimendi's new deal still carries the original €60m buyout clause. La Real had wanted to increase the option to €100m.

"Not a coincidence," said a Barca source. Another stated: "He is always there to help his teammates on the pitch, to give them solutions, like Busquets."