Reds target Valencia star

Liverpool are looking to make a hopeful bid to bring Valencia attacker Juan Mata to Anfield.

Rafa Benitez is willing to offer Spanish international Albert Rieira as part of a cash plus player bid for the impish 22 year old.

Benitez is currently unsure of what sort of transfer budget he will be given this summer as the Merseyside outfit looks for new investment so is looking at ways to bring in new additions by offering players he deems as surplus to requirements.

Rieira has never really got going at the club since his move from Espanyol in September 2008 and was reportedly close to making a move to Russia two months ago but may now be used as a makeweight in a deal to sign £16m rated Mata who can play in a number of attacking positions ranging from an orthodox winger to part of a two man strike pairing.

Valencia are in dire financial straits and are more likely to consider offers for Juan Mata so as to avert the need to cash in on the likes of David Silva and David Villa.

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