Liverpool are understood to be lining up a summer move for the highly-rated Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez.
The 20-year-old, a Spanish Under-19 and Under-21 international, is believed to be seen by Rafa Benitez as a possible replacement for Xabi Alonso, whose future remains unclear.
Martinez is likely to cost in the region of £10million and Bilbao will do all they can to stick to their price tag, as the midfielder is contracted to the La Liga side until 2012.
Serie A outfit Fiorentina are also understood to be interested in Martinez, who joined Bilbao from Osasuna in a €6million deal back in 2006, but Liverpool are leading the chase for his signature.
The player himself appears keen on a switch to the Premier League - when asked about Liverpool's interest, Martinez said: "Any player would want to be part of such a good squad."
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