The former Italy manager is off duty since stepping down in 2006 after winning the World Cup.

Lippi told Italian media that he turned down a bid from his former side Juventus.

"I want to coach a team built on young players such as Fiorentina or a foreign club like Barcelona," the 59-year-old Lippi was quoted as saying by La Repubblica.

Lippi drops the hint as Barcelona reportedly search for a replacement for Frank Rijkaard in the summer.

The Catalans are trailing Real Madrid with seven points in the Spanish League and, after almost half the season, can’t find their flowing game.

Former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho is also tipped for the job.