RMER Barcelona superstar Xavi Hernandez says he is sure Pep Guardiola will give "real consideration" to signing Jack Wilshere for Manchester City in the summer.

The rejuvenated Wilshere has banished his recurring injury troubles during a season-long loan with Cherries from parent club Arsenal, delivering a string of sparkling performances in 18 top-flight starts for Eddie Howe's team.

The 25-year-old hobbled out of Monday night's match with Guardiola's City, but Howe was quick to insist the ankle problem suffered by Wilshere didn't appear to be anything "major".

Xavi remembers Wilshere's scintillating display against his Barca team in a Champions League tie in 2011, on a night when the England international combined with Alex Song and Cesc Fabregas to run ragged Barcelona's fabled midfield triumvirate of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.

And the four-times Champions League winner says his former Barca boss, Guardiola, would have made a point of keeping tabs on Wilshere following his glittering contribution to Arsenal's victory six years ago.

“He impressed me a lot that night, I know he also did Pep and it will be a player that he would have been following ever since," Xavi said.

“Technically he is the sort of player that Pep loves.

"His only problem has been injuries – and if it wasn’t for the issues he has had with injuries I am sure he would be one of the best midfield players in the world.

“At the moment he seems to be doing well with his fitness, and if there is a chance to sign him in the summer I am sure Pep will give it real consideration.”

Asked about Wilshere prior to City's 2-0 victory at Vitality Stadium, Guardiola made to attempt to conceal his admiration for Wilshere.

Moreover, the Spaniard made it plain he has detected signs of Wilshere rediscovering his very best form this term.

“I remember in Barcelona and that year we played Arsenal, he left a massive impression when he came,” said Guardiola.

“I know the problem with Jack Wilshere was just the injuries.

“He’s lucky to play regularly for one season and he is going to be back to being one of the best midfield players in England, by far.

“He’s quality, he’s smart.

“He has the special quality with the ball, dribbling as a holding midfielder to attack central defenders – it’s not easy to do that.

“He’s a little bit like (Moussa) Dembele at Tottenham.

“They have quality to pass, pass, pass and then immediately destroy the defensive structures.

“I’m so happy he’s back and he’s playing regularly.

“He would still be playing for Arsenal if he was fit.