Rafa Benitez is being linked with a move for Valencia forward Juan Mata.
The 21-year-old Spanish international doesn't generate the headlines in the same way as team-mate David Villa, but this precocious young talent is believed to be considering a move away from the Mestalla stadium with Liverpool the team ready to make a move.
Guillem Balague reports in his Daily Mirror column that Mata is one of the lowest earners in the Valencia ranks, and his associates are touting the players potential to Rafa Benitez, a known admirer.
With the financial state at Valencia still in question, the Spanish side may well have to sell in the transfer window to balance the books and please investors.
And with the club keen to keep hold of major assets like David Villa and David Silva, one of their other top players may have to go. The former Real Madrid man could be a possible victim.
Mata also speaks English, a benefit to the Premier League suitors, and Liverpool will be keen to make an early move before a bidding war ensues in the New Year.LIVERPOOL vs ARSENAL: Fancy a FREE £25 BET on the game? Place it here with BetFair: BET HERE
