Barca eye Benitez - reports

Liverpool chief linked with return to Spain

By Lucas Brown & Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 26th March 2008

Rafael Benitez Liverpool lost 3-0 at OT

Benitez: Barca target?

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Reports emanating from Spain claim Rafa Benitez is Barcelona's first choice to replace Frank Rijkaard, should the Dutchman leave Camp Nou in the summer.

The Blaugrana boss has come under increased pressure this season as Barca trail arch rivals Real Madrid at the summit of La Liga.

Barca president Joan Laporta is thought to be considering Rijkaard's role, with Jose Mourinho strongly linked with a return to the club where he worked at the formative stage of his career, under both Sir Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal.

However, according to Spanish dailies El Mundo Deportivo and Marca, it is Liverpool boss Benitez that occupies Laporta's thoughts.

Barca's board is thought to be split on who should come in should Rijkaard depart, with directors Ferran Soriano and Marc Ingla known to favour Mourinho.

Laporta a fan

It is, though, Laporta's opinion that carries most weight in the boardroom and if reports are to be believed, then it is Benitez that tops the club's wish-list.

Benitez's future on Merseyside has been the subject of conjecture for quite some time, with his disagreements with the club's American owners well documented.

Liverpool's failure to mount a serious title tilt this season following a heavy summer of investment has done little to quell speculation either, although the Anfield faithful continue to back the man who delivered a European Cup in 2005.

Benitez's hugely successful spell at Valencia ensures his stock shines bright in his homeland, but whether Barcelona make an approach in the summer could well depend on how their campaign concludes both domestically and in Europe.