Anfield and Etihad Stadium sides keen on Real Betis playmaker.

Spanish source AS claim that Man City and Liverpool are two sides said to be taking an interest in stylish Spanish midfielder Benat.

The Real Betis playmaker has a contract which includes a tempting €20m (£16m) release clause that may well be triggered by any side who feels that his current run of good form is worthy of such a payout.

The 25 year old Spaniard has been in inspired form over the past 18 months which has resulted in the playmaker being called up by Vicente del Bosque for national team duty in recent World Cup qualifiers.

The Basque born midfielder has helped Real Betis to an excellent start to the La Liga campaign, with Pepe Mel’s side sitting in fifth spot. Benat has already provided five assists this season and is a stylish performer who Rodgers may see as a long term proposition he could have to consider if he fails to lure Real Madrid star Nuri Sahin into signing a permanent deal with the Merseyside club.

Whilst Man City may be able to offer a genuine title shot and a bigger wage packet it is all to likely that Benat would struggle to retain a starting spot in Roberto Mancini’s first team and therefore a move to Anfield could prove more tempting as the former Athletic Bilbao man looks to a move that could help his career progression.

Tickets still available for top football matches – Liverpool tickets