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 youngster’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.
With whispers abound that the under-performing Momo Sissoko may be leaving Anfield, room may be freed-up soon for the arrival of Martinez.
But Benitez also knows he is not the only man looking to land Martinez - whose current get-out clause stands at 24 million euros (£17.1million) as he has more than four years remaining on his contract.
Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli was hugely impressed by Martinez in pre-season after the two sides met in a friendly and he has been following him closely ever since.
Now a battle could ensue, although Benitez would always be seen as favourite given his continued close links with his homeland.
Liverpool are also known to have been impressed by Martinez's team-mate Fernando Amorebieta and a double bid could yet be a possibility.
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 youngster’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.
With whispers abound that the under-performing Momo Sissoko may be leaving Anfield, room may be freed-up soon for the arrival of Martinez.
But Benitez also knows he is not the only man looking to land Martinez - whose current get-out clause stands at 24 million euros (£17.1million) as he has more than four years remaining on his contract.
Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli was hugely impressed by Martinez in pre-season after the two sides met in a friendly and he has been following him closely ever since.
Now a battle could ensue, although Benitez would always be seen as favourite given his continued close links with his homeland.
Liverpool are also known to have been impressed by Martinez's team-mate Fernando Amorebieta and a double bid could yet be a possibility.
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