Source: Telegraph
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez chasing Athletico Bilbao's Javi Martinez
Benitez has identified the 20-year-old as one of his key targets for another busy summer in the transfer market to swell the already large Spanish contingent at Anfield. [LNB]The tough midfielder is a Spanish Under-21 international and has been watched closely by scouts from Liverpool all season, according to a report in the Mirror newspaper. [LNB] Related ArticlesBenitez wants Istanbul spiritChelsea v Liverpool: Champions League Game ZoneHiddink beats stand-in curseHillsborough can inspire LiverpoolBrown snubs Hillsborough familiesRespite in fight for justiceHowever, Liverpool are not alone in identifying the youngster's potential and Benitez is likely to face stiff competition for his signature from Serie A side Fiorentina. [LNB]Martinez is highly rated in Spain, after joining Bilbao as a callow 17-year-old from Osasuna for around £4 million. Martinez has scored five goals in 26 appearances for the Basque side this season, despite the club struggling against relegation. [LNB]A box-to-box midfielder with tremendous energy, Martinez has sometimes been utilised as a second striker but his natural position is in the mix of things in the centre of the pitch, much like Steve Gerrard. [LNB]Meanwhile, Benitez has called on Liverpool to evoke the spirit of Istanbul when they take on Chelsea in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tonight trailing 3-1 in the tie. [LNB]'It's important to know that, now, we are in a very bad position, but that means we have nothing to lose. We can approach the game without pressure and anything can happen. That's football," said Benitez. [LNB]'The players can play better if they play without nervousness and anxiety. [LNB]'The players have a lot of confidence. We know it will be difficult, but we will go there in the knowledge that we are a top side, believing we can do it. [LNB]'Even in the first leg, when Chelsea were playing well and making chances, while we were making mistakes, we had chances to score. So why not score at Stamford Bridge?'[LNB]
