Frozen-out Gerard Pique has been offered advice from Barcelona team-mate Xavi to stay at the Nou Camp, despite being benched in recent weeks.
The experienced defender has become a second-choice option behind Javier Mascherano and Jeremy Mathieu, with Pique himself being understood to be wanting a move away as soon as possible.
Manchester United and Chelsea have been the two names massively linked with the Spaniard in the past few weeks, with both teams looking to add to their defensive options once the January transfer window opens.
However, veteran Xavi insists that the centre-back must remain in Spain, and has urged the club to do whatever it takes to keep hold of the player.
He said: “Pique is a vital player for the club. You have to ask Enrique why he does not play.
“In training all I see is a motivated and committed player. It is the coach’s decision and he must be respected.”
By Ollie Brown
