Xavi says he wanted MORE signings despite Barcelona’s salary hell and defends rift with ‘furious’ club legend Jordi Alba who was nearly forced to Inter Milan

Barcelona manager Xavi says he wanted more signings this summer despite the club's public salary struggles.

The Spanish giants struggled so much with LaLiga's cost cap rules that assets had to be sold to register a number of new signings.

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France international Jules Kounde even missed the club's opening fixtures with no financial wiggle room available, but Xavi was keen for even more.

It was also reported on Wednesday that an agreement was in place for Alba to leave Barca on-loan and join the Serie A giants.

According to Spanish outlet , the 33-year-old full-back is understood to have been left unaware, and furious with the club trying to part ways with him.

Alba has been a bit-part player this season at the Spotify Camp Nou so far, with youngster Alejandro Balde being preferred ahead of him.

The club have also secured the services of Marcos Alonso, as part of the deal that saw Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined to Chelsea.

“The [squad] has ended up, clearly, between the best and mediocre in terms of the market for Barcelona. One [or two] players were missing," Xavi said on Friday.

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“But, sorry, having said that, very satisfied, no complaints from me. The club has made a titanic effort to put this squad together. The economic levers have been significant.”

The coach was then asked about the situation of Alba and gave a bold answer to reporters.

“Jordi is part of the squad, he will help us and he will be important. He will be key with his experience, his veteran status and talent," he said.

"He is one of the captains, I am delighted to have him, of course he will play. There will be opportunities for everyone. He who plays best will play. Meritocracy, we don’t look at age or titles.

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“I want Jordi Alba here, as a captain, as a person, I have a great affinity with him. He is a leader, he is going to help whether he plays or not, his commitment to the club is extraordinary.

“Last year we had Sergi Roberto, [Sergino] Dest, Dani [Alves] and we managed it.

"This year the calendar is even more demanding. We may change systems as we go, Marcos can play in different positions, Balde. Versatile people for distinct variations.”

Alba was set to meet with Xavi to discuss his future days before the transfer window slammed shut.

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However, because the player was so certain he wanted to stay, the meeting was called off, according to .

Having been at Barcelona for over a decade, Alba is now set to compete with new signing Alonso, 31, for a place in the starting XI.

The Catalan giants have also secured the services of former La Masia graduate Hector Bellerin on a one-year deal from Arsenal.

Xavi's side are next in action when they travel to Andalusia to take on Sevilla at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Saturday night.