The issue of youth development is an interesting legacy of Rafa Benitez's spell in charge of Liverpool. Benitez headed up a remarkable turnaround in the club's academy during his time at Anfield but there was quite a bit of criticism that he didn't do enough to bring youngsters into the first team.
However, as many of his fans have pointed out, Benitez was unceremoniously sacked before his work could come to fruition. That work included bringing some exciting youngster's to Liverpool, one of whom was Raheem Sterling. Benitez didn't a chance to coach the now 2o year old at Liverpool, but it looks like he might get a chance in Madrid.
The Independent are reporting that Sterling is top of Madrid's list of transfer targets particularly if, as expected, Benitez takes over at the Bernabeu. Liverpool may not be happy about their best players being poached by a former manager but if they can get somewhere in the region of £50 million for him, they probably won't be too worried.
For the rest of today's transfer gossip, our Aertel resurrection is here to help.
