Al Sadd approach for Villarreal star Santi Cazorla

The report claims this is the third time that former Barcelona captain Xavi has attempted to lure the playmaker to the club, with the latest attempt being as recently as January.

Al Sadd are looking for a replacement for Gabi Fernandez, who is leaving the club this summer to return to Atletico Madrid in a coaching capacity.

The 35-year-old has enjoyed a true return to form for the Yellow Submarine over the past two seasons after recovering from a series of traumatic injuries.

The former Malaga and Arsenal star has also returned to the Spain international setup, after a hiatus of four years, and signed a new one-year contract extension at the start of the current campaign, but his future beyond this summer is unclear.