The rumours that Spanish giants Valencia are going to be forced to sell their stars in January, as their financial plight comes to breaking point, just won’t go away.

The papers are full of £50m rumours regarding David Villa, but according to Guillem Blague, Liverpool are set to make a move for the young striker Juan Mata, who will be available at a much better price than the other two.

He says that Mata is extremely unhappy with his comparatively miniscule wages at Valencia, and is seriously considering a move away to a club where he will be appreciated.

He says that Benitez is being kept informed of his progress, and the fact that the university-educated 21 year-old already speaks reasonable English, and Benitez likes what he he has seen so far.

Benitez is desperate for a new strike partner for Fernando Torres. and with the funds from the sale of Ryan Babel and Andrea Dossena, he will be able to make an acceptable cash offer for Mata.