Liverpool are reportedly in pole position to sign
Marseille forward Mathieu Valbuena, with Wigan Athletic also in the
frame.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder has made 75 league
appearances for the Stade Velodrome outfit - scoring seven times -
since arriving from Libourne Saint-Seurin in 2006.
And the diminutive Frenchman's form is thought to have attracted
interest from a string of European clubs from England, Spain and
Germany.
According to reports in France, Wigan have already tabled an
offer for the man known as 'the small bike'.
However, with the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton also
believed to be monitoring the player, Valbuena's agent, Christophe
Hutteau, has revealed the forward is hoping to sign for a side with
larger stature than Roberto Martinez's Latics.
"Mathieu would very much be interested in playing in England as
the Premier League is the best in Europe," he told
skysports.com.
"Wigan are interested in Mathieu, but I think Mathieu would like
to go to a big team in England.
"Liverpool are also interested in Mathieu, but so are teams in
Spain, Germany, Italy and Russia.
"I think Mathieu will leave Marseille and I think it is very
possible he could play in England this season."