Barcelona boss Xavi uses Cristiano Ronaldo example in hint over summer plans

Barcelona manager Xavi has cited Cristiano Ronaldo while insisting age isn't an issue as he teased over the club's summer transfer plans.

The Spaniard has overseen a remarkable resurgence with the Blaugrana since his appointment back in November, steering his old side from 9th up to 2nd in the La Liga standings with just two matches of the season remaining. The 42-year-old appears set to continue his revolution this summer by adding to his ranks and the Barcelona boss has hinted at the profile of player his side may target.

The cash-strapped Catalan club have found themselves heavily linked with prolific Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski in recent months as the 33-year-old Pole continues to stall over a new deal with the Bundesliga champions. Addressing suggestions Barcelona could move for the ageing forward, Xavi used Manchester United icon Ronaldo as evidence that age isn't an issue when it comes to potential signings.

When probed on Barcelona's interest in Lewandowski, Xavi revealed: “When it comes to signing, age doesn't concern me… we signed Dani Alves when he was 38!

“Players take care of themselves, they're more professional. Alves, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, [Luka] Modric, Cristiano [Ronaldo] or [Lionel] Messi are examples”.

After Ronaldo completed a sensational return to Old Trafford last summer, many speculated as to whether the 37-year-old would still be able to cut it in England's top-flight. However, the Portuguese superstar has since silenced his doubters having scored 24 goals in 39 appearances for United this season, with 18 of those coming in the Premier League.

While those numbers are mightily impressive, they pale into insignificance compared to Lewandowski's exploits this season. The