LIVERPOOL boss Rafa Benitez is ready to beat Barcelona to the signing of Spanish teenage sensation Jesus Fernandez - nicknamed Suso. (Daily Mirror)Benitez's spies have been to see the Cadiz youngster, an attacking midfielder in the Cesc Fabregas mould, and he hopes his Spanish connections will help him win the race.

LIVERPOOL boss Rafa Benitez is ready to beat Barcelona to the signing of Spanish teenage sensation Jesus Fernandez - nicknamed Suso. (Daily Mirror)

Benitez's spies have been to see the Cadiz youngster, an attacking midfielder in the Cesc Fabregas mould, and he hopes his Spanish connections will help him win the race.

Suso has been offered a deal at Barca but his advisors think he could get lost in their 'system' while Benitez has big plans to bring in top young talent at Anfield after a recent reshuffle.

Benitez is set to recruit a couple of new coaches at youth level - including a top fellow countryman - and they are looking at the Spanish market as well as scouting for the next Steven Gerrard at home.

Suso is expected to come to Liverpool for talks, possibly as early as next week, with Cadiz resigned to losing their best prospect in years.