The Spain international's current contract is due to expire in the summer of 2014, and the Catalans are eager to hold on to the 32-year-old beyond the expiry date of his current deal.

Xavi has made well over 600 appearances for Barcelona since making his official first-team debut in August 1998, helping the club to the La Liga crown, the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish and UEFA Super Cup, and the Copa del Rey.

"Barcelona have informed us of their intention to open talks over the extension and improvement of Xavi's current contract," agent Ivan Corretja told Esport3.

"They want Xavi to remain part of Barcelona's first team and this is the right moment to open negotiations. His contract expires in 2014, so waiting until the end of the season would be too late.

"We have always reached an agreement on previous occasions and have never had problems. The most important thing for Xavi is to know that the club still count on him. I don't expect any problems."

Xavi scored the important opener against Granada on Saturday to ensure they maintained their 100 percent record in La Liga.