Liverpool Transfer News: Inigo Martinez Bid Reported, Christian Benteke Rumours

Plans to reinforce Liverpool's defence this summer appear to already be underway following news the Reds have tabled an offer for Real Sociedad's Inigo Martinez, but Christian Benteke will wait to decide on his fate. 

Spanish newspaper Marca (h/t Metro's Lee Thomas-Mason) reported on Wednesday that a £14.2 million bid has already been lodged by the English giants, but there's no word as of yet regarding Sociedad's response.

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Thomas-Mason also cites Spanish journalist Kike Marin when suggesting Liverpool scouts were on hand to watch Martinez during La Real's 2-0 defeat to Barcelona earlier this month.

The figures attached to the 23-year-old do seem slightly too good to be true, especially after the Independent was among those quoting a fee closer to £22 million earlier in the week:

Former Everton chief David Moyes would be eager to cling onto a defender of Martinez's calibre for as long as possible, but to gain a little over £14 million from his sale would be almost as disappointing.

One can see why centre-back might be an area manager Brendan Rodgers would look to strengthen this summer, with Dejan Lovren failing to uphold the same standards at Anfield as he did with Southampton last term.

Equally, Mamadou Sakho's injury troubles sought to disrupt Liverpool's defence, while Kolo Toure may be seen as an affordable sacrifice this summer.

Rodgers has toyed with three and four-man defensive lines this season with varying success, but as the Telegraph's Thom Gibbs recently discussed, the manager himself is a doubt to retain his position this summer:

Martinez may be young at 23, but the one-time capped Spain international has a wealth of Liga experience, having made his first-team debut for Sociedad four years ago and since becoming a senior member.

The Basque native is technically adept with a ball at his feet, the mould of player Rodgers will be seeking to employ in a defence capable of smooth transitions up the pitch.

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Moyes' appointment at Real Sociedad has been met with some improvement, but the club are still eyeing a finish in the bottom half of La Liga this season, currently sat in a fairly miserable 12th spot.

Should Martinez feel his intentions are better served on Merseyside, La Real could find their centre-back tempted by an Anfield switch at the end of this campaign.

Benteke to Decide Villa Future In June

Aston Villa striker Benteke is in no rush to decide his future and will wait until after the next international window to make a call on whether he's leaving the Birmingham outfit.

That's according to the Mirror's James Nursey, who adds the club wouldn't stand in their player's way if they were to receive an offer of £32 million for his services.

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Benteke's 12 goals in 27 league outings have been crucial in Villa's hunt to retain their Premier League status, with Tim Sherwood's men also set to take on Arsenal in this term's FA Cup final on May 30.

Liverpool's interest comes on the back of superb form from the Belgium international, with Squawka detailing what a prolific resource the 24-year-old has been to bring Villa within inches of top-flight survival:

Belgium will take on France in a friendly encounter on June 7 before facing Wales in a Euro 2016 qualifier on June 12, at which point Benteke will be more aware of Villa's prospects for next season.

Rodgers' side aren't the only ones contending for Benteke's signature, however, after Metro reported Chelsea are also in pursuit:

Winning the FA Cup would see Sherwood's men qualify for the Europa League, which could be another factor should Benteke wish to remain with his current side.

In any case, Liverpool's attack appears poised for an extreme makeover this summer, but Benteke is wise to hold off on any decision until after he discovers Villa's fortunes this term.