Spain: Xavi Hernández emerges as dark horse for La Roja job
Cuatro says Xavi and Belgium boss Roberto Martínez are also among those in the running to take over from interim coach Fernando Hierro.
Xavi Hernández is among the names being considered for the job of Spain head coach, according to a report on Spanish television.
A contender alongside likes of Quique, Míchel, Luis Enrique
With interim coach Fernando Hierro set to leave the role following Spain's last-16 World Cup exit at the hands of hosts Russia, Cuatro today said that Barcelona and La Roja legend Xavi, 38, is in contention for the post, joining candidates such as Quique Sánchez Flores, Míchel and Luis Enrique on the Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) apparent shortlist of targets.
The Spaniards have been without a permanent head coach since Julen Lopetegui was fired the day before the start of the World Cup over his surprise announcement as Zinedine Zidane's successor at Real Madrid.
Xavi seemingly being lined up to take over at Al-Sadd
Xavi, who was part of Spain's World Cup-winning team in 2010, signed a new, two-year contract with current club Al-Sadd in May and, having recently earned his coaching licence, has been expected to take over as manager of the Qatari side from the present incumbent, Manuel Jesualdo Ferreira, in January 2019.
In November 2017, Xavi had spoken of his desire to go into management in the near future, explaining: "I'm aware that I suffer more from the effects of fatigue [than before], that I find it harder to recover. This will, in all likelihood, be my last year as a player. My plan is to get my coaching badges next year and become a coach."
Martínez also in Spain shake-up, says Cuatro
Meanwhile, Cuatro has additionally reported that the RFEF are also eyeing up current Belgium boss Roberto Martínez, whose side reached the World Cup quarter-finals yesterday with a 3-2 last-16 win over Japan.
