Roberto Martinez has emerged as the favourite to become Barcelona boss if Ernesto Valverde is sacked this summer, according to reports in Spain.
The Spaniard has been manager of the Belgium national team since 2016 and is thought to be highly regarded by many clubs in La Liga after leading his side to a third-placed finish in last year's World Cup.
And Catalan radio station RAC1 report that Martinez is now seen as the front-runner to take charge of the Spanish champions if a vacancy arises at the club in the coming months.
Before taking up his role with Belgium, the 45-year-old worked in the Premier League with Wigan Athletic and Everton , as well enjoying a spell in charge of Swansea City.
He also won some silverware in England, leading Wigan to a surprise FA Cup win in 2013.
Despite leading the Catalan giants to a second successive La Liga title this season, a string of disappointments in cup competitions have led to suggestions that Barcelona could look to move on from Valverde.
The Spanish giants led Liverpool 3-0 after the first leg of the Champions League final but were beaten on aggregate after they conceded four goals in the reverse tie at Anfield.
It was the second time as many seasons that Valverde's side let such a lead slip in Europe, after losing to Roma on away goals in last year's quarter-finals after holding a 4-1 advantage after the first game.
The club's season came to a disappointing end over the weekend as the league winners lost 2-1 to Valencia in the Copa del Rey final, ending hopes of completing a domestic double and putting Valverde's future in further doubt.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has previously voiced his support for the 55-year-old, saying that the club are "very happy with him", while club captain Lionel Messi echoed that sentiment before the cup final defeat.
If Martinez does replace Valverde this summer, his appointment could also potentially see Thierry Henry return to the Camp Nou.
The former France international played for Barcelona between 2007 and 2010 and held a position as one of Martinez's assistants in the Belgium coaching setup.
He left his role with Belgium in October to replace Leonardo Jardim as manager of Monaco.
However, his time in charge of the Ligue 1 side was short-lived and he left the club only a few months later in January.
