Sports

No legs to Xavi-to-Red Bulls report

With the transfer window opening next month and the silly season already started, there have been persistent reports the Red Bulls have made a bid for Barcelona star Xavi. But sources within MLS and in Spain have insisted no offer has been made and the midfielder unlikely to be coming to New York anytime soon.

“He’s a wonderful player and a great person. Of course [they] would love to see him at New York Red Bulls,’’ the league source said. “But he is under contract at FC Barcelona for the foreseeable future, so it is a hypothetical discussion.’’

The same roving Spanish reporter who broke the news of Neymar’s move to Barcelona — tweeting under the handle @Barcastuff – reported that Red Bulls captain Thierry Henry had prompted New York to approach the standout midfielder and “Xavi (33) has received an offer from American team New York Red Bulls and is thinking about it.”

And while a source in Spain confirmed Xavi does indeed maintain a close friendship with former Barcelona standout Henry and will consider the situation, a move would not happen during this transfer window or even the next. Xavi just signed a contract extension last year that would keep him in Barcelona until 2016.

“Xavi (33 years old) wants to fulfill his contract. In (two or three years) he will study the situation and he will decide if he can play football,’’ said the source in Spain. “In two or three years, who knows? Nowadays it is very difficult.

“I think this report is a rumor. Xavi Hernández signed a new contract last year (2016). He has a good relationship with Thierry Henry, but nowadays Xavi’s future is in FC Barcelona.’’

Xavi did leave the door open last Tuesday for a possible move down the line, saying: “I don’t know if I’ll end my career at Barça.’’