Liverpool Transfer News: Saido Berahino, Jackson Martinez Welcome Summer Rumours

The recent return of Daniel Sturridge has given Liverpool a major boost in their attacking department, but the Reds will be happy to hear targets Saido Berahino and Jackson Martinez both talk up potential summer moves.

West Brom starlet Berahino has been incessantly linked with a Hawthorns exit this season after failing to agree a new contract, and he has spoken of moving on to "bigger things" with Sky Sports:

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I’ve got to stay focused on what I’m doing right now, which is scoring the goals and keeping West Brom in the Premier League. If I can keep them in the Premier League and score as many goals as I can, I’m pretty sure the fans wouldn’t mind me pushing on and going on to bigger things.

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The 21-year-old is still in his infancy as a Premier League starlet, having only emerged as a first-team striker last season, but his mind appears made up regarding a move away from the west Midlands outfit.

Ex-England midfielder Steve Howey is among Berahino's critics, lambasting the forward for the manner in which he's gone about seeking to engineer a Baggies departure, per Sky Sports Audio:

Berahino has nine goals in 23 appearances this season and went through a stretch of substitute appearances during the December period, with some of the club's management seemingly unhappy with his attitude.

Tony Pulis has since brought the player back into his starting fold, but a record of just two goals in his last 14 league appearances isn't the kind of return that convinces the London Evening Standard's Tom Collomosse of his price tag:

The Sky Sports report reads that West Brom value the Reds target at £25 million, a fee which would undoubtedly require Liverpool to move on some of their current playing staff before being ready to add.

One of those who could be sold in the summer is Mario Balotelli. The former Manchester City man is still to net his first Premier League goal of the season since returning from Milan last summer, and Bleacher Report's Matt Ladson recently rated his chances of an Anfield exit:

Rodgers may also consider selling Rickie Lambert or Fabio Borini at the end of this season, especially with Divock Origi coming to Merseyside following his loan spell at former club Lille.

An alternative target would be Porto's Martinez, who is quoted by the Daily Star's Chisanga Malata refusing to rule out an exit from the Estadio do Dragao this summer:

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Right now I only focus on doing my job with Porto, but I'm ready to make the leap in the next window. I have my head focused only on the work I'm doing at Porto at the moment and when the transfer window reopens, we shall see what will happen.

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Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press

Martinez has been tipped to follow fellow South Americans Radamel Falcao and Hulk out of the Porto exit in recent transfer windows, but he has remained with the Portuguese giants despite heavy interest.

The report mentions Arsenal and Manchester United as being among those also following Martinez, while Football Italia quotes the player's agent in saying Serie A is his targeted destination:

David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com provides further quotes, adding that Martinez's release clause stands at €35 million (£26.3 million), a figure Liverpool might well consider within their reach:

If the Reds were to invest so heavily in the Colombian's signature, Martinez would bring certain expectations in playing time, potentially forming a new partnership alongside the talismanic Sturridge.

The 28-year-old has scored 24 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions this term, per Transfermarkt, including five goals in his five Champions League group-stage appearances.

Like compatriot Falcao before him, Martinez has been a prolific figure for the Dragons, who will have two years remaining on his Porto contract at the end of this season.

Any potential deal will be significantly aided by the striker's apparent desire to move on from his Primeira Liga surroundings, with Liverpool looking to become the latest side to benefit from Porto's export policy.