AS is linking us to...

[AFII]

Just looked it up, apparently it's just under 6'3".

Well, he is much cheaper than Aguero who would cost around £127.9k/cm.

[carrsim]

just reminding kia that masher is not the only midfielder around so don't play silly buggers if you ask me

[Morten_nogamst_Pedersen]

just reminding kia that masher is not the only midfielder around so don't play silly buggers if you ask me

Could be a good point.
Youre more clever than you look.

[homer1]

just reminding kia that masher is not the only midfielder around so don't play silly buggers if you ask me

Thought that myself but isn't the fee set / agreed from the beginning of the loan? Unless we are trying to negotiate down the deal but you would only be in a position to do that if the player hasn't settled / proven himself I would have thought and I don't think even Parry would get away with that if he tried

[Dutte]

1.90m?? That's ****ing massive for a midfielder!!

Yeah, about the same height as Momo, massive.

[Zapater]

Javi is a ****ing beast of a player. Think somewhere between Alonso and Mascherano. He isn't upto their level yet, he'd have some improving to do but he could easily be at their level in not too much time. Very refined technique, good workrate and strong defensive skills makes him a player who I expect big things from. Too bad he's a defensivish sort of midfielder. But boy he can hit long shots on his day. If we had to lose one of our midfielders I'd be open to it, but I don't really want to see us splashing out on midfielders when I'd prefer defenders and attackers.

who's on their way out if we sign him? swap for momo?

No can do, only Basque's can play for Bilbao. I don't get the impression that Sissoko is Basque in the slightest, do you? haha

[willa1975]

That's nice, but we're already overstocked in central midfield...we've got three players in Gerrard, Alonso and Mascherano who would start for almost any side in Europe, and a fourth in Lucas who, I believe, will be at that level in the near future. As much as I admire Momo's efforts for the club, I believe he's the odd man out in our current setup and selling him would be best for both the club's bottom line and Momo's career. The only way I'd go for this guy would be if Mascherano leaves us at the end of the season.

Yes, we're better off financially than we were a year ago, but we're not made of money. We need another defender badly, and will definitely need another striker if Rafa indeed wants to sell Crouch, unless Rafa decides to play Babel up front, in which case we will absolutely need another winger. Let's address our weaknesses first, yes?

[CharlieMansonsSquint]

£16m for a player who plays a position in which we already have 4 quality players?

No chance.

[thesilverfoxlfc]

We have lucas how about a Winger or quality striker Rafa......??

[rushscored4]

Reds track Spanish gem

Liverpool are on the trail of Athletic Bilbao's brilliant young midfielder Javi Martinez.

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 and Fiorentina are both tracking Martinez very carefully and scouts from both clubs have been present at recent Athletic games.

The Reds are currently well stocked with pivotal midfielders as Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso and Mohamed Sissoko are all able partners for captain Steven Gerrard in the centre of the park.

But Rafa Benitez has never been afraid to bring fresh talent into his squad and so, with Sissoko reportedly unhappy with life as a squad man at Anfield, there could be room to bring Martinez in.

Big price

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.

English appeal for Reds target

Liverpool target Javi Martinez admitted to skysports.com that he is attracted to the prospect of playing in England.

The 19-year-old Athletic Bilbao ace is one of the most highly-rated midfielders in Spain and he is being closely monitored by Rafa Benitez.

Martinez has risen to prominence over the last 18 months following his move from Osasuna's second string last year.

Now he is attracting interest from some of Europe's big hitters and, as skysports.com revealed earlier this week, Liverpool are one of those hot on Martinez's trail.

Appeal

"I see Premier League matches on the television and the atmosphere is wonderful," he told skysports.com.

"But I don't really know anything [about the interest] as I haven't spoken with anyone.

"My sole mission at the moment is to work hard for Athletic and help the team.

"If an offer does arrive I would look at what is best for two parts, myself and Athletic."

No offers

Bilbao have admitted that they are aware of the interest in their prized asset - although they would appear to have few intentions of selling.

"We have not received any formal offers yet," a spokesman told skysports.com.

"We are calm about the situation."

[Harv]

this lad is a very very good player.

He's a lock to be a Spanish national teamer within a year or two.

great technique, very solid in the tackle....quite quick too, and he's a threat from set pieces.

We need players of this quality in other areas though.

[El Jefecito]

17m for him or 17m for El Jefecito. No brainer.