How Liverpool could make a shock swoop for Juan Mata

By Guillem Balague

Published 18:52 10/12/09

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Premier League fans have become acquainted with the names of Valencia stars David Villa and David Silva in recent transfer windows; but there is one player who is rapidly becoming the most coveted asset in La Liga: Juan Mata.

He left Real Madrid in 2007 to sign for Valencia and the 21 year old Spanish international is now contemplating a move away from a club where he feels - as one of the lowest paid players in the squad - that his true worth goes unappreciated by the board.

There is a possibility that Chori Domiguez from Rubin Kazan could sign for Valencia in January and automatically pick up three times what Mata currently earns: a slap in the face for Mata that push him towards a transfer to another club where he can work with a manager who will help him develop while allowing him to flourish on the big stage.

Mata has recently been linked with a move to Liverpool and Mata's associates have been briefing Rafa Benitez about the talented young forward's qualities both on and off the pitch - informing the Liverpool boss of the player's university education, intelligence, his excellent work ethic and attitude in training: not to mention the fact that he already speaks some English.

And of course, Rafa already knows about Mata's international credentials and his ability to play anywhere across the forward line.

I have a theory that Liverpool may try with Mata a similar thing to what they attempted to do with Silva: make a move for him early on before a bidding war escalates with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona pushing his value beyond the Premier League club's reach.

That plan failed with Silva last summer after Valencia refused to negotiate with Liverpool who were willing to offer £20 million.

Valencia needed the player to stay to help convince investors reduce the club debts but now they are prepared to sell someone for a much higher fee.

I am sure that Liverpool will seriously consider a move for Mata, but persuading Valencia to part with him may actually turn out to be more complicated than persuading them to sell their more famous stars: as the Spanish club appreciate that while Villa and Silva have reached their full market potential, Mata's value will increase the longer they can keep hold of him.

Juan Mata profile: 10 things you need to know about the Liverpool target - plus watch him in action  

Gulliem Balague's column appears in association with www.icons.com

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