Ex-Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova is reported to be in a serious condition in hospital.

The 45-year-old has been battling throat cancer since 2011 and he was rushed to a clinic for emergency surgery.

Vilanova replaced his close friend Pep Guardiola as Barcelona manager in 2012 but spent only one season in charge.

That campaign also saw him miss a part of the season due to his health concerns.

He stepped down from the Barcelona manager's job in the summer of 2013 having led the team to a league title.