Former Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain has emerged as a leading contender to replace Damien Comolli at Liverpool.

The Anfield club’s American owners sacked their director of football ahead of the FA Cup semi-final victory over Everton because they were unhappy that a big-spending approach had not resulted in any progress in the Premier League.

Txiki Begiristain (left) was involved in David Villa’s move to Barcelona (AFP/Getty Images)

They were linked with Ajax and Barcelona great Johan Cruyff, but found the Dutchman had no interest in moving to England.

Instead, he recommended the Liverpool board consider Begiristain for the vacancy, reports the Sunday Times.


Former Spain international Begiristain has been credited with helping to build the current all-conquering Barca team, after bringing in Dani Alves, Gerard Pique and David Villa.



However, he left the Camp Nou in 2010 following the departure of club president Joan Laporta.

Begiristain’s exit came just a year after one of Barcelona’s worst deals, which saw them sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic and allow Samuel Eto’o to move to Inter Milan as part of the £41million fee.

Despite that blip, he remains highly regarded by Europe’s biggest clubs and has been linked with senior roles at both Manchester City and Chelsea.

Should he get the director of football job at Anfield, he would be expected to implement a change in recruitment strategy that would see Liverpool focus their efforts on players aged 21 or under.