Toni Kroos was wanted by Barcelona to replace Xavi Hernandez until someone inside the club vetoed the transfer, reports claim.
Kroos eventually signed for Real Madrid but Mundo Deportivo say Barca identified the Germany international as Xavi’s replacement.
Xavi had appeared set to leave Camp Nou and with Kroos deciding not to extend his Bayern Munich contract, he was bound to leave Bavaria.
It’s alleged he was keen to join Barca but one of the coaching staff opposed the deal and convinced the club to back out.
MD add that’s why Madrid were able to move quickly to sign the 24-year-old, who confirmed he had offers from other clubs before moving to Santiago Bernabeu.
Xavi eventually remained at Barca, who also signed Sevilla captain Ivan Rakitic instead of Kroos, who, it’s suggested, spoke to Barca and three times could have been a Blaugrana player.
