Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Barcelona Planning Fresh Swoop For Liverpool FC Man

Barcelona is attempting to re-sign Liverpool academy coach Rodolfo Borrell.

Borrell ended his 13-year association with the Catalan giants in summer 2009 to become a core part of Rafael Benitez's new-look youth set-up, and the sterling work undertaken at the club's centre of operations in Kirkby has not gone unnoticed by his former employers.

During his time at the La Masia academy, he oversaw the development of youngsters at all levels and has been credited with Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique's graduation to the first team ranks at the Nou Camp as well as that of Everton's Mikel Arteta and Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas

Liverpool's under-18 side have remained in contention for the Premier Academy League title and closed the gap on leaders Everton with a 2-1 win over Manchester United on Monday.

But Barcelona remain hopeful of tempting the Spaniard back to La Masia after almost two years of nurturing Anfield's future, despite seeing their two previous overtures rejected.

A third offer from the runaway La Liga leaders remains on the table but the ambitious Borrell is currently settled on Merseyside and understood to prefer continuing his rise through Liverpool's coaching ranks by progressing to the role of reserve team manager in the near future.

Pep Segura, Liverpool's Academy Technical Director and one of Borrell's former cohorts at La Masia, is expected to relinquish control of the club's second string at the end of the current season, having taken temporary charge following John McMahon's departure last month.

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