Manchester United have been put on red alert after Barcelona star Xavi suggested that he might be interested in a move away from the Nou Camp in the near future, as reported by the Daily Express.

Despite interest from the Old Trafford club in the summer, Xavi decided to stay with Barca.

However, he has been limited in his quest for first team football by recent recruit Ivan Rakitic, who has impressed since joining the club from Sevilla this summer.

While there was a belief that Xavi would depart at the end of the current season, it now seems as though he might make the move in January, having been unhappy in his role as a reserve.

With Man Utd still needing additional midfielders, with that area a particular weak point of their side, Louis van Gaal might be tempted to make another move for the hugely successful midfield maestro.

Xavi said: “I am not comfortable as a reserve.

“I want to play more and change the situation, although the team comes first and it is the coach who decides.

“I just have to take advantage of the minute given to me. It’s a tragic situation but I want to reverse it and feel more useful.”