Rafael Benitez is reported to be tracking the progress of Athletic
Bilbao's sensational young midfielder Javi Martinez, with a view to
make a January transfer bid.
The Basque playmaker has been outstanding this term at San Mames,
carrying on from his successful campaign last season - which was
his first in La Liga.
Athletic raised a number of eyebrows in Spain when they splashed
out 6 million euros (£4.2million) for him as an untested
18-year-old playing with Osasuna's second string.
But 18 months on, some of Europe's biggest hitters are now tracking
the 19-year-old who is also a regular in Spain Under 21 side.
Liverpool are rumoured to heading the queue for the youngsterÂ’s
services, however they face stiff competition from Fiorentina who
have also sent scouts to assess Martinez during recent games.
Although the Basque player operates in midfield, an area that the
Reds have an abundance of talent in, he nonetheless offers a
distinct different type of quality.
Martinez prefers to roam free in midfield and operates best in the
last third as a schemer and creator of goals, a player that perhaps
Yossi Benayoun comes closest in comparison.
Liverpool are also known to have been impressed by Martinez's
team-mate Fernando Amorebieta and a double bid could yet be a
possibility.
