Fast improving Frenchman on Rafa’s radar

Mathieu VALBUENA

A number of Bundesliga clubs have stepped up their interest in Marseille’s playmaker Mathieu Valbuena who is a target for a number of Premier League clubs including Liverpool, Everton, Aston Villa and West Ham. Reports in both the German and French press suggest Hertha Berlin, Hamburg and Schalke are ready to make formal bids as interest in the diminutive Frenchman continues to grow.

The player himself seems in no rush to move unless a progressive club comes in for him after revealing, “I am fine, I have a contract until 2012.”

“If I want to move I will move to a club with ambition, not just any club. I am old enough to make sure I make the right decision.”

Previous comments made by the player’s agent Christophe Hutteau suggested English clubs had the advantage. He told skysports.com, “Mathieu would very much be interested in playing in England as the Premier League is the best in Europe.”

“I think Mathieu would like to go to a big team in England.

“Liverpool are also interested in Mathieu, but so are teams in Spain, Germany, Italy and Russia.

“I think Mathieu will leave Marseille and I think it is very possible he could play in England this season.” (Football Pools)

Knowing that Alberto Aquilani could be out for two months and having lost Xabi Alonso the club could well do with some more creativity in the the midfield and Marseille’s Mathieu Valbuena has been consistently linked with the club for some time now and the player’s agent suggests that a deal could well be about to be made for a move to England, but could that mean a move to Anfield?

Many of Europe’s elite club have been eyeing up the diminutive 24 year old and given the fact that he wouldn’t cost the earth I can see why he has been linked with a move to the club but again would he be anything more than a squad player? Whilst he is a good player, he is by no means an earth shattering one and therefore there will be questions about his suitability.

He did of course score a cracker against the Reds a few years back and is on the verge of a call up to the French national side so if the price could be lowered then it could be an option.

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