Rafa Marquez emerges as favourite to succeed Xavi (reliability: 4 stars)

Diario Sport report that Barca Athletic head coach Rafa Marquez is now the favourite to replace Xavi in the manager role with the senior team.

The Mexican had been considered in February but a gaffe with betting posts on social media put him out of the race.

Now he's back among the contenders. The Catalans' decision-makers believe he has the potential to follow the path of Pep Guardiola, making a successful transition from the B team to the senior side.

Marquez has a proven record of working with youngsters, something that the club believes will help the likes of Yamal and Cubarsi grow.