With Liverpool continuing to splutter this season - including yesterday's Premier League defeat at Bournemouth - the future of manager Arne Slot is in doubt.
AS says Xabi's entourage has received a call from Anfield to explore his future availability. Xabi's response has been positive, effectively opening the door to the possibility of a return to Liverpool for the former Reds midfielder.
Inaki Ibanez, Xabi's agent, is now in contact with Liverpool directors with a move to succeed Slot at the end of the season being discussed.
Xabi was axed by Real Madrid a fortnight ago, having arrived in the summer from Bayer Leverkusen. The previous year, Xabi rejected the chance to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, which saw the Reds board recruit Slot from Feyenoord.