Metro.co.uk: Martinez eyed by Liverpool

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Liverpool have joined Manchester United and Manchester City in the race to sign Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez.

The 23-year-old's performances this season have seen him become one of the most coveted players in Europe.

Alex Ferguson, who had the chance to see Martinez close up when the Basque club knocked United out of the Europa League, is a long-term admirer of the Spain international.

He had hoped to negotiate a transfer without becoming involved in a bidding war, but City, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan have also been strongly linked with the player, who has a £34million buyout clause in his contract.

According to reports in Italy, Liverpool have now expressed an interest in the Bilbao star, although they would not be prepared to match the asking price.

United and City both regard the release clause in his contract as too high and hope to do business at around £24million.

Martinez recently suggested he is not worth the £34million his club value him at.

"I do not think there's anyone who wants to pay so much for me," the player told Mundo Deportivo.

"I see it as too much money for me. I do not think I'm worth so much."

Martinez, who can also play at centre-back, is under contract until 2016, so there is no pressure on Athletic to sell this summer.

Source: Metro.co.uk

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.