OPINION: A couple of good things came out of Wellington Phoenix’s 5-0 ugly loss at the hands of Melbourne Heart last weekend – well good for the A-League in general.

Reliable sources tell me Heart, now majority owned by Manchester City, are in the process of signing a world class player from Spanish powerhouse Barcelona as their marquee man for next season.

Fitting the bill, and nearing the end of his career, is 34-year-old Spanish World Cup winning midfielder Xavi Hernandez.

He has played more than 700 games in Barcelona’s colours winning scores of trophies including multiple La Liga titles and Champions League triumphs.

The international media is already saying Xavi’s days are numbered and speculating on who will replace him at Barcelona.

The signing will be a loan deal. My understanding is that Xavi, or whoever Heart’s marquee signing may turn out to be, will also play for the New York City Football Club.

New York is a new club also majority owned by Manchester City set to play in America’s Major League Soccer competition from 2015.

Adding credibility to the story is the fact that Manchester City’s chief executive Ferran Soriano was previously at Barcelona where he was credited with transforming the off-field fortunes of the club.

The Heart news doesn’t stop there. I understand there is truth in speculation that the club will next season change its name to Melbourne City and the colour of its playing strip to sky blue - to match that of Manchester City.

It is exciting times for the A-League.