Banega linked with Reds

Liverpool are being linked with a move for Argentine international midfielder Ever Banega.

The Valencia star has been linked with a move to Anfield in the past, and now reports in Spain and Argentina suggest Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is ready to make his move with the transfer window back open.

Banega enjoyed a rapid rise to success in his homeland, graduating from youth to senior level at Boca Juniors. After only one teenage season in the Argentine Primera División, Spanish side Valencia snapped up the youngster for a fee in the region of €18 million.

An unconvincing start to life at the Mestalla saw a loan move to Atletico Madrid, but that failed to reap any rewards for either party as Banega struggled to make an impact for Los Colchoneros.

A return to Los Che has failed to reignite his career, and now the Champions League qualifiers are thought to be looking to recoup some of the money spent on Banega with a summer sale.

Financial problems for the La Liga side only adds up the reasons why the club are looking for a sale, and this coupled alongside Benitez's relationship at the club means a deal is more possible than first thought.

An £8.5 million transfer fee could prove to be a major stumbling block in the deal, and the Spaniard will have to work some magic in bringing that figure down amidst reports that the Merseyside giants don't have much of a transfer kitty to play with at this time.

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