<span class="titolo">Liverpool Hot On The Trail Of Bilbao Prospect</span></p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p> <span class="sommario">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.</span></p> 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.</p> 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.</p> 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.</p> 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.</p> 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.</p> 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.</p> With whispers abound that the under-performing Momo Sissoko may be leaving Anfield, room may be freed-up soon for the arrival of Martinez.</p> 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.</p> 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.</p> Now a battle could ensue, although Benitez would always be seen as favourite given his continued close links with his homeland.</p> Liverpool are also known to have been impressed by Martinez's team-mate Fernando Amorebieta and a double bid could yet be a possibility.</p> </div></p>
