FC Barcelona News: 14 November 2011; Rafinha Close to a New Deal, Messi Nominated for the Time Person of the Year Award

With the international break news are not aplenty, however, with the internationals set to return on Wednesday Barça will soon resume normal duties. There is also one important contract update; even though Real Madrid are looking to sign Thiago's younger brother, Rafinha, the young midfielder has said he is close to renewing his contract with FC Barcelona. Rafinha is one of the latest to make his way through La Masia and made his first team debut in the Copa del Rey against L'Hospitalet on Wednesday as a substitute.

Messi amongst the candidates for the Time Person of the Year Award | FC Barcelona
The US magazine "Time" has included Leo Messi amongst the 32 candidates for the Person of the Year 2011. The list includes figures such as Steve Jobs, Angela Merkel, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Silvio Berlusconi, Kate Middleton and Nicolas Sarkozy and the final choice will be announced in December.

Barcelona starlet Rafael Alcantara set for new long-term contract - ESPN Soccernet
Barcelona teenager Rafael Alcantara has revealed that he is close to penning a new long-term contract with the club. "Things are looking good, very good," Rafinha was quoted as saying by EFE. "Both parties are pretty close to reaching an agreement. We are very happy to be at this club and want to stay here.

Andres Iniesta: Pep Guardiola is fundamental to Barcelona's project - Goal.com
Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has stressed that Pep Guardiola is of vital importance for the Camp Nou side's project and hopes that the successful coach will stay with the club.The 40-year-old coach's current contract is due to expire at the end of the season and it is not yet certain whether he will extend his stay with the Champions League holders.

FC Barcelona renew with Catalan beer brand - SportsPro Media
Under the terms of the five-year extension, the brand continues as a premium partner and the official beer of the Spanish giants, while a new aspect of the deal sees Estrella Damm exclusively feature in the presentation of the line ups before games on the Camp Nou video scoreboard.

African Champions Esperance Tunis – possible World Club Cup rival | FC Barcelona
Josep Guardiola's team have one more rival in the FIFA World Club Cup, to be held in December, after the Tunisian team beat Wydad Casablance 1-0 in the second leg of the African Champions League, after drawing 0-0 in the first leg. Harrison Afful got the winning goal on 21 minutes.

Zidane hints at coaching role | Sky Sports
The 39-year-old has long been mooted to become a coach following a successful playing career during which he won the World Cup, the European Championship and the UEFA Champions League, and he has now admitted fostering plans to that effect.

Justin Bieber poses in a Real Madrid shirt - Goal.com
The 17-year-old is in the Spanish capital doing promotional work for his Christmas album, Under the Mistletoe, and appeared at his hotel window wearing the Santiago Bernabeu side's kit.