Barca said in a statement: "The club expresses their deepest condolences over the passing of Tito Vilanova, who died today in Barcelona at the age of 45."

Vilanova, a former midfielder who spent his playing career largely in the Spanish second division, was diagnosed with cancer of the salivary gland more than two years ago and was forced to step down as Barca boss last July.

He was Pep Guardiola's assistant during a glorious four-year spell for Barcelona between 2008 and 2012 during which the club won 14 trophies.

Vilanova took over from Guardiola at the start of the 2012/13 season, but he had to take four months off between December 2012 and April 2013 for treatment in the United States after a recurrence of the throat cancer which had been first diagnosed in November 2011.

Vilanova, who was admitted to a hospital in Barcelona last week, is survived by his wife, Montse Chaure, and two children. His son Adrian is currently in Barcelona's youth academy.

Barca sent their "deepest condolences" to Vilanova's family and said they would be opening a space in the main grandstand at the Nou Camp for people to express their condolences.

The club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu said on Twitter: "Tito Vilanova was a wonderful person, and will never be forgotten at FC Barcelona. Thank you for everything you taught us. Rest in peace."