Guardiola Targets Amorebieta

New Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola has identified Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta as one of his primary summer transfer targets.

May 10, 2008 11:23:59 AM

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Amorebieta - Athletic de Bilbao

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The Venezuelan born defender has impressed onlookers with some excellent performances in the centre of Athletic's defence this season and is top of Barça's list of possible reinforcements for next season.

With Argentine defender Gabi Milito set to be out of action for at least six months after knee surgery, Guardiola and sporting director Txiki Begiristain are looking for a younger player in a similar mold and believe that they have found their man in Amorebieta.

The pair are key admirers of his physical condition, the quality of his passing and the progress that he has made since the club began tracking him at the European U-19 Championship in 2004.

Begiristain has indicated to president Joan Laporta that they should begin negotiations with Athletic as soon as possible, with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United said to be monitoring the situation in preparation of summer bids for the twenty-three year old.

Barça may, however, encounter some difficulties trying to get Athletic to part with their star defender. Amorebieta's release clause currently sits at €30million and coach Joaquin Caparros has indicated that the club directors will not accept anything less than that if he is to leave at the end of the season.

Nick Dorrington

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