Roberto De Zerbi is Barcelona's leading candidate to replace Xavi in the summer

Barcelona have identified Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi as their leading candidate to become head coach at the Catalan giants, according to a new report.

De Zerbi is under contract with the Seagulls until 2026, but his impressive start to managerial life on the English south coast has attracted interest from other clubs across Europe.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are seeking a new manager to replace Xavi, who will leave the hot seat in the summer after three years in charge.

Diario Sport claims that Barca President Joan Laporta has requested a profile on 44-year-old De Zerbi as part of the plan to replace Xavi.

It is thought Laporta likes how De Zerbi deals with his players, as well as his personal demeanour, and the manager's agents have recently been in the city.

Laporta is working with Director of Football Deco on the managerial hiring process, as Barcelona look to get going on the process so that the new boss can have a full pre-season with the squad.

De Zerbi steered Brighton to their first European place finish last season, and look set to replicate that this term.

Despite his contract until 2026, the Seagulls are making contingency plans in case their manager does leave in the summer, with Liverpool and Manchester United also among the admirers of the Italian's style.

Brighton’s recruitment and talent identification plans are the envy of European football, meaning the coach will usually have only limited influence over this area.

That programme has been so successful that the club are unlikely ever to change it to satisfy the coach of the day.

Brighton travel to Sheffield United for their next Premier League game on Sunday afternoon, six days before hosting Everton at the AmEx.