Liverpool
have been linked with a £16.5 million move for
Valencia
winger Juan
Mata in January, as ongoing concerns
over the finances of the Spanish club may result in them being
forced to sell the player.
Although the club's two main stars – the two Davids, Silva and
Villa – have remained at Valencia, despite serious interest from
many of Europe's biggest clubs, their sporting director Fernando
Gomez hinted that lesser players may be sold to ease the financial
burden.
Reds' manager Rafael Benitez is reportedly keen to raid his former
club and is willing to splash as much as £16.5m to acquire the
services of the 21-year-old Spain international.
Mata has a contract at the Mestalla until 2012 but is reported to
be on £10,000-a-week wages – relatively low for a player of his
stature.
The player's father, also his agent, told The Sun: "We want Valencia to
recognise the kid's true quality, and it's not only a matter of
money."
The youngster decided to play down the link with the Anfield
outfit, explaining that football is the only thing on his mind at
the moment.
"This matter is all down to the club and my agent," he said.
"Benitez is a big coach but I just want to concentrate on my game
without any distractions."
