United and Liverpool Face Fight In South American Striker Chase – Report

Manchester United and Liverpool face a fight from Galatasaray in the race to sign Jackson Martinez, according to reports, with the striker high on multiple club's transfer wish lists in preparation for the summer transfer window.

In 33 appearances for Porto this season, Jackson has so far scored 26 goals, making a huge contribution to his side's push for the Portuguese title.

Talksport claim that both Liverpool and United have been keeping checks on Martinez's progress, but the Premier League sides will have to pay big money if they hope to land him in the transfer window, with Galatasaray also believed to be considering an offer.

The publication reports that bidding could open at around £37.5 million, with Martinez being talked about in the same breath as the likes of Edinson Cavani and Radamel Falcao.

Liverpool have consistently made clear their intentions to build on their attacking line up, and will be hoping to sell Andy Carroll in the summer to fund some bigger purchases than in previous transfers.

United meanwhile, have been denying for some time now that Wayne Rooney might be on the way out of the club at the end of the season, though rumours keep cropping up that the England international migh be set for a move abroad.

Speculation has also surrounded the future of Javier Hernandez, with the Mexico international admitting this week that he is frustrated with the amount of game time he has been given this season.

Sir Alex Ferguson has recently talked about the importance of having four big-name strikers to help take the club above their rivals, and should one leave in the summer he will no doubt be looking for a replacement.

And Martinez would certainly serve as an apt one, with the Colombia international set for big things after moving from Mexican side Jaguares to Europe last summer.