Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has confirmed reports he flew out to Germany to meet with Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland this week.
The Catalan club held a meeting with the player's agent Mino Raiola in December while Dortmund recently confirmed that Real Madrid are among those who are interested in signing the Norwegian.
The Norwegian striker fuelled speculation of a transfer to La Liga in January as he confirmed that he would like to play in Spain during his career.
Barca president Joan Laporta's reported confidence in signing the striker has sparked off what has been described as a 'war' between the club and El Clasico rivals Madrid.
In January, the Norwegian striker claimed that Borussia Dortmund were pushing him into making a decision on his future amid speculation that he may be on the move this summer.
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Haaland has a reported £63million release clause that kicks in this summer – a factor that will spark a series of elite European clubs' interest in signing the Norwegian.
Manchester United will be among a host of clubs looking at a potential summer swoop for Haaland alongside Manchester City, while German champions Bayern Munich will also be keeping tabs on his future.
Yet the comments from the Norwegian striker suggest that Spain is his preferred destination and Barca are now hopeful of making sure that the Camp Nou is his destination, rather than the Spanish capital.
Xavi told reporters during a press conference on Saturday, when asked about his meeting with Haaland: "I cannot give details. The only thing I can say about Haaland is that we are working for Barça for the present and future.
"If we announce something, you will know. Like yesterday with (teenage midfielder) Pablo Torre."
The Barca boss was then pressed on whether Haaland and Kylian Mbappe could come to La Liga – the latter of whom is thought to be on the verge of joining Real Madrid as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain.
Xavi responded: "The more players at this level, of course La Liga would improve. Obviously, it would be even more attractive."
There is little question over the 21-year-old's world-class status, as he has netted 80 goals in just 79 appearances for Dortmund since his switch from Red Bull Salzburg two years ago – including 23 times in 20 outings this campaign.
Haaland has continued to break multiple goal-scoring records, netting 27 goals in 25 matches across his games in European competitions.
In the 2020–21 campaign, Haaland was integral in Dortmund's DFB-Pokal win, won the Bundesliga Player of the Season award and finished as the top scorer of the Champions League.
