Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed that he is ready to sign Valencia left winger Juan Mata which could spell the end of Ryan Babel.
Mata, now age 21, has been in devastating form in La Liga this season and Valencia are starved of cash so look ready to take £16.5million next summer.
Benitez is confident of landing the deal because, though Mata’s contract is until 2012, he is on only £10,000 a week and has already turned down an improved offer.
Mata’s father Juan Snr who is also his agent, told reporters that Valencia must recognise the player’s true quality, and that it is not only a matter of money.
Mata told reporters that the matter is all down to the club and his agent.
He also said that Benitez is a big coach but said that he just want to concentrate on his game at the moment without any distractions.