Xavi has said that Madjid Bougherra has what it takes to play for Barcelona. The midfield lynchpin, who has been at the heart of Pep Guardiola’s team as they claimed European, domestic and world success in the past year, believes that the Rangers defender would be the type of player his manager would want in his team.

Bougherra spent January in Angola representing his native Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations and impressed, after recovering from a nervy start in which he gifted two goals to Malawi in a shock 3-0 defeat in his team’s opening group match.

The central defender turned in some assured displays as the Desert Foxes reached the semi-finals of the competition and his prospective team mate was impressed by what he saw.

“Bougherra would be able to play for us,” insisted Xavi. “I watched some of Algeria’s matches on TV and was surprised by his work. I know the transfer has been rumoured but I can’t say anymore

“He defends very well but he is also strong going forward. That’s exactly the style of play Pep Guardiola likes.”

Bougherra was linked with the Catalan giants earlier this month, with the club’s director of football Txiki Begiristain reportedly having passed on scouting reports to Barca boss Guardiola from the African competition.

The former Charlton defender Bougherra, who moved to Ibrox from in 2008 for £2.5 million, was recently named as the Arabian Player of the Year and is also said to be interesting Sevilla.

The Algerian has played in the UK since 2006 when he moved on loan to Crewe Alexandra from French Championnat side Gueugnon, before a permanent switch to Sheffield Wednesday in the same year. A spell in London followed before he moved to Glasgow on a four-year deal.

Bougherra is seen as a vital member of the Rangers backline, with David Weir and young Danny Wilson the only other contenders for two spots in the centre of Walter Smith’s defence.

He has boosted his international profile during his spell with Algeria but his travels have come at a cost to Rangers, with the club having lost out on his services after he arrived home late from international duty on several occasions.