Liverpool Transfer News: Jackson Martinez Enquiry Claimed by Renowned Agent

Peppino Tirri, an Italian agent FC Porto have used to broker deals in the past, claims Liverpool are keen on bringing Colombian striker Jackson Martinez to the Premier League in January.

The agent told Calcio News (h/t Daily Express' Ben Jefferson) the Reds are willing to test Porto's resolve this winter, as the player's current club has no intention of letting him walk for any fee below his £27.5 million buyout clause.

"Liverpool are in for Jackson. AC Milan? That's unlikely. Porto won't yield an inch from their €35m (£27.5m) release clause," Tirri is quoted saying.

The 28-year-old star has long been a target for many of the continent's finest clubs, and his five goals in four Champions League starts explains why, according to WhoScored.com.

Martinez is a deadly finisher with solid athleticism and great instincts, and he has developed into one of the finest attackers in Portugal over the past few years. Even when he appears to be off his game, he's still capable of providing moments of magic in front of goal.

Bleacher Report UK's Sam Tighe had difficulty forming an opinion of the forward when he scouted him during Colombia's 2014 World Cup match against Japan. Martinez looked out of sorts during the entire contest, yet somehow bagged himself a brace:

Mario Balotelli's slow start to the 2014-15 campaign and Daniel Sturridge's persistent injury problems have left the Reds short on natural finishers in front of goal, so manager Brendan Rodgers' interest in the Colombian shouldn't come as a surprise.

A transfer in the January window is not an option, however, according to agent Henrique Pompeu.

Portuguese football insider Jan Hagen shared his comments on the subject.

Martinez appears to have found the perfect home in Porto, where he has an entire team built around his particular set of skills. Whether he would be capable of replicating his scoring exploits for another club remains a question mark.

His performance against Japan was by far the highlight of his World Cup, with manager Jose Pekerman leaving him on the bench for the bulk of Colombia's fixtures, despite the absence of star forward Radamel Falcao.

The likes of Carlos Bacca and Victor Ibarbo all took preference in Colombia's starting XI. Even Teofilo Gutierrez was given more minutes at times.

Porto are also notorious for the way they handle the transfer market, turning huge profits on Falcao and Joao Moutinho in recent years. With the Daily Express' Jamie Anderson previously reporting the club is looking for £40 million in a sale of Martinez, it's unlikely they'll be willing to accept a reduced fee.

The striker hasn't shown any indication he's planning on forcing a move, and with all parties insisting a January deal is off the table, Rodgers will have to turn his attention toward the summer window.

Given Pekerman's reluctance to play Martinez and the fact he's approaching the age of 30, one has to wonder whether an investment which would likely exceed £30 million would be worth it.

With Divock Origi waiting in the wings and Sturridge's bad luck with injuries bound to end at some point in the future, the need for a high-priced striker who comes with question marks may not be as great in six months.

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