MX23RW : Saturday, April 27 15:26:52| >> :120:78728:78728:

Luton Town, Birmingham City 'interested in free agent Josef Martinez'

Luton, Birmingham 'interested in free agent Josef Martinez'
© Reuters
Luton Town and Birmingham City are reportedly on high alert following Josef Martinez's exit from Inter Miami, with the 30-year-old free agent searching for a new club.

Luton Town and Birmingham City are reportedly interested in striker Josef Martinez, who is currently a free agent following the conclusion of the MLS regular season.

Joining David Beckham's Inter Miami in January of this year, the 30-year-old linked up with the likes of Lionel Messi in Florida but was unable to help the Herons reach the post-season playoffs.

Martinez turned out 27 times for Miami in the 2023 season, scoring seven goals and assisting once as his side finished 14th in the Eastern Conference standings.

The striker has been a regular for his country for over a decade, making his Venezuela debut in December 2010 and going on to earn 66 caps, scoring 14 times.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Martinez could be set for a move to England after his contract at Inter Miami expired at the end of the season.

Inter Miami CF forward Josef Martinez (17) celebrates on October 5, 2023© Reuters

The report claims that Premier League debutants Luton are interested in signing the forward in the coming months, as the Hatters attempt to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

Rob Edwards's men have understandably struggled during their first-ever Premier League campaign, collecting just five points from their opening 10 matches.

Luton's current striking options consist of players who have earned an opportunity to play in the top flight due to their performances in the lower leagues, including Carlton Morris and ex-Stoke City man Jacob Brown.

It was widely reported in the summer that the Hatters were looking to bring Martinez to Kenilworth Road, however Edwards's team were unsuccessful in their efforts to secure his services.

Inter Miami allegedly valued the Venezuelan at £10m during the summer transfer window, with Luton unprepared to pay that amount for a player who would be a free agent at the end of the MLS term.

Wayne Rooney at first Birmingham City press conference on October 12, 2023.© Reuters

The report also states that Birmingham City are in the race to sign Martinez over the next couple of months, with new manager Wayne Rooney a 'big fan' of the forward.

Rooney spent over a year in MLS at DC United before departing to join the Second City club, and the Manchester United legend also faced Martinez on the pitch during his brief playing days at Audi Field.

After three successive losses to start his tenure at Blues, Rooney is under pressure to deliver 'no fear' football without having a transfer window to immediately recruit his own players.

Due to their EFL Cup exit at Exeter City last month, Luton have a clear week of training ahead of Sunday's clash with high-flying Liverpool at Kenilworth Road.

ID:527783:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4780:

Click here for more stories about Josef Martinez

Click here for more stories about Luton Town

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Botafogo's Tiquinho Soares in action with LDU Quito's Oscar Zambrano on May 4, 2023
Read Next:
Rob Edwards confirms Luton Town interest in Oscar Zambrano
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Manchester CityMan City33237380324876
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd33165125150153
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle331551369541550
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Bournemouth34129134960-1145
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton331111115254-244
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves34127154654-843
13Fulham34126165054-442
14Crystal Palace34109154456-1239
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton34118153648-1233
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3437243392-5916


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!