Fiore: Strong Interest from Barcelona and Madrid for Liverpool Target

FC Porto striker and Liverpool target Jackson Martinez is attracting interest from Barcelona and an 'important' team from Madrid, according to the player's agent Giovanni Fiore.

Martinez is among the hottest strikers in Europe having scored 23 goals in 22 league starts for the unbeaten Portuguese champions, who currently trail Benfica by two points with 10 league games remaining.

The Colombian international's proficiency in front of goal domestically and in Europe has not gone unnoticed with Martinez having attracted interest from La Liga leaders Barca, while Liverpool are noted admirers.

"I can confirm that there's a strong interest from Barcelona," Fiore told Tuttomercatoweb. "They are not the only Spanish team keeping tabs on him, though. There's an important team from Madrid as well.

"Additionally, there is serious interest from a big Italian team, and a few other clubs have enquired about his availability, too.

"Porto might study any offers they get, but we're talking about big bids here given the player's importance to the club."

Liverpool were linked with a move for the 26 year old before the New Year amid the club's problems in front of goal. However, the signings of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho have since helped to improve The Reds' goal threat, with their season tally of 56 only behind Manchester United.

Victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday was the first win of the season against a team above them in the Premier League, a sign Brendan Rodgers' revolution at Anfield is beginning to take shape

However, top scorer Luis Suarez admitted earlier this year he would be willing to speak with Bayern Munich should the Bundesliga leaders launch a bid for him, and Liverpool may be forced into making significant strides in the transfer market to replace their Uruguayan striker should a deal be clinched.

Despite the club's financial plight, revealed in last week's figures, Rodgers is confident Liverpool will continue to invest in the transfer market to remain competitive while Under-21 boss Alex Ingelthorpe is hopeful of continuing the club's tradition of entwining local players amid the first team.

The likes of Andre Wisdom, Raheem Sterling and Suso have all enjoyed their breakthrough seasons at Liverpool this term, with the club's academy consistently showing signs of supporting their vast investment in the transfer window.