Sky sports
Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2005 6:38 pmLiverpool have reportedly stepped up their interest in Nurnberg's free-scoring midfielder Marek Mintal.
The Slovakia international's stunning exploits this season are rumoured to have caught the eye of Reds boss Rafa Benitez.
Mintal has scored 19 goals in 24 Bundesliga appearances this term, despite operating in midfield and playing in a team just outside the relegation zone.
He was first linked with Liverpool during January's transfer window, with German media reports claiming the Premiership club had contacted Mintal's agent.
But renewed speculation suggests The Reds have increased that a notch by lodging a €4 million (£2.75 million) offer for the player.
Nurnberg, though, would be reluctant sellers after officials at the club admitted Mintal is their shining light.
"Mintal is our jewel," Nurnberg chief Michael Roth told the club's official website. "He is the shop window of our club."
Nurnberg boss Wolfgang Wolf, who also eulogised about the 27-year-old, conceding it would be virtually impossible to snare a replacement for Mintal.
Wolf said: "Marek is irreplaceable for us and, in addition, his market price increases with every goal he scores."
Mintal joined Nurnberg from Zilina in 2003 and is under contract until 2008, but the Bundesliga side's resolve may be tested in the summer.
With doubts persisting about the future of Reds captain Steven Gerrard, Benitez may perceive Mintal to be an ideal replacement for his talisman.
The Slovakia international's stunning exploits this season are rumoured to have caught the eye of Reds boss Rafa Benitez.
Mintal has scored 19 goals in 24 Bundesliga appearances this term, despite operating in midfield and playing in a team just outside the relegation zone.
He was first linked with Liverpool during January's transfer window, with German media reports claiming the Premiership club had contacted Mintal's agent.
But renewed speculation suggests The Reds have increased that a notch by lodging a €4 million (£2.75 million) offer for the player.
Nurnberg, though, would be reluctant sellers after officials at the club admitted Mintal is their shining light.
"Mintal is our jewel," Nurnberg chief Michael Roth told the club's official website. "He is the shop window of our club."
Nurnberg boss Wolfgang Wolf, who also eulogised about the 27-year-old, conceding it would be virtually impossible to snare a replacement for Mintal.
Wolf said: "Marek is irreplaceable for us and, in addition, his market price increases with every goal he scores."
Mintal joined Nurnberg from Zilina in 2003 and is under contract until 2008, but the Bundesliga side's resolve may be tested in the summer.
With doubts persisting about the future of Reds captain Steven Gerrard, Benitez may perceive Mintal to be an ideal replacement for his talisman.