Bayram Tutumlu was in Qatar a few days ago on business relating to Michael Laudrup, the coach he has represented for many years. Whilst in the Middle East, he had the chance to meet many important figures involved in Qatari football - figures who claim that Xavi Hernández will play there next season.

"They assured me that he has received an offer to play for three seasons earning a net figure of €8.3 million for each one. I was even told that a contract had been signed, although I didn't actually see it," Tutumlu said in a statement made to MARCA.

The most curious thing of all is the person behind the deal. "The deal has been done by Pini Zahavi and a company called Sport One Middle East, which boasts Abdallah Lemsagam as one of its agents. Although Joan Laporta and Alejandro Echevarría are also involved," Tutumlu claimed.

The agent was very critical of Laporta, with whom he was involved in a court case when he was still the Barcelona president: "It's a shame that Laporta is flying all over the world looking to make some money and a living." For some time now Alejandro Echevarría, former Barcelona director and Laporta's brother-in-law, has been one of the people closest to Xavi Hernández.

"I don't know if he's a business man or football agent," Tutumlu said. Echevarría meanwhile told MARCA that he had no involvement whatsoever in the matter.