Barcelona are ‘interested in appointing Simone Inzaghi to replace Xavi’… and could ‘rival Man United and two OTHER Premier League clubs for the Inter Milan manager’s signature’

Barcelona are reportedly interested in making Simone Inzaghi their next boss in what could become an arms race between elite European clubs.

Inzaghi is having a spectacular season on the bench of Inter Milan, which leads Serie A with nine points.

Barca consider him a possible replacement for Xavi, who will leave at the end of the season, but could face stiff competition from the Premier League.

This is because Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are reportedly interested and have started gathering information on the Italian, according to Tuttosport.

Barcelona’s longing glances at the 47-year-old have also been denounced by Tuttosport, via Mundo Deportivo.

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Inzaghi has been in the San Siro dugout since July 2021 and has earned a reputation as one of Italy’s most astute bosses.

Last season he led the Nerazzurri to the Champions League final and has already won the Coppa Italia twice.

If he can add another Scudetto to the club’s trophy cabinet, he will have proven himself as an elite trophy-winning coach, and that could be enough to convince his suitors that he is the man for the job.

His contract with Inter runs until 2025 and he is happy to stay, but he would not be satisfied with a renewal unless it lasts at least until 2027.

He earns around £4.7m a season plus add-ons but his employers are unlikely to match a potential Premier League offer in the region of £6.8m to £7.70m, according to Tuttosport.

Mail Sport reported on Tuesday that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is considering replacements for Erik ten Hag and is “not completely convinced” of the Dutchman.

He could be on borrowed time after a disappointing season, with United sixth in the Premier League and out of the Champions League.

Mauricio Pochettino’s long-term future is also uncertain after his Chelsea team lost to Liverpool 1-0 in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

While Chelsea could still qualify for Europe through the Premier League or FA Cup, their chances of reaching the continental competition are much slimmer following the defeat to Liverpool.

There are now significant doubts over whether Chelsea are prepared to continue the partnership heading into the climax of the season and Pochettino faces a series of crucial games.

Inzaghi could finish with his choice of the best positions. While Liverpool seem more set on Xabi Alonso, the news of Barcelona’s interest, along with that of United and Chelsea, is a sign of the demand Inzaghi could be in in the coming months.