Barcelona To Launch MLS Franchise Bid

Spanish club Barcelona are set to launch a bid with a Bolivian entrepreneur to become co-owners of a Major League Soccer franchise in Miami.

The MLS plans to add two teams to its league for the 2011 season.

"The idea is to set up an investee company involving FC Barcelona and a Bolivian entrepreneur, Marcelo Claure. Claure is the chief on an investment group featuring Americans and citizens of different South American countries," read a statement on the club's website.

The MLS currently has 14 teams but is set to expand with Seattle joining in 2009 and Philadelphia in 2010 before a further two franchises are included a year later.

Miami Fusion played in the MLS from 1998 to 2001 before losing its franchise.