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Liverpool are reportedly battling it out with Juventus to sign Austria Under-21 ace Martin Hinteregger.

The 21-year-old has been a regular for Red Bull Salzburg over the past few seasons since making his first-team bow in October 2010.

Capped four times at Under-21 level, the versatile defender has been monitored by Juventus in recent weeks.

However, the Serie A side will face a battle to land Hinteregger as Liverpool and Arsenal both have a long-standing interest in him.

In other Liverpool transfer speculation, Rafael Benitez will renew his attempt to sign Martin Skrtel from Liverpool this winter.

The Napoli manager signed the centre-back from Zenit in 2008 and is a big fan of his former player.

Benitez, who took Pepe Reina from the Reds on a season-long loan deal this summer, will be backed by his new club in the transfer market and his priority is signing a defender.

He tried to land Skrtel along with Reina in the summer but could not reach a deal - although Liverpool could be open to selling in January.

Luis Suarez has fallen victim to "jealous" rivals while playing for Liverpool, according to the president of his country's Football Association, Sebastian Bauza.

Suarez returns for Liverpool at Manchester United in Wednesday's Capital One Cup tie after completing his 10-match ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic.

But Bauza, who is in regular contact with Suarez, believe the striker's opponents have colluded to put pressure on referees and create an inaccurate perception.

"In English football, Liverpool’s rivals are jealous because they don’t have a player of Suarez’s class, as he’s one of the best strikers in the world," he said.

"I’m convinced that the day Suarez changes club, he can’t do it to another club in England, in which case he will have to go and play in another country," he continued.

"As for the decision to continue at Liverpool, he feels protected, so it’s good that he stays. It’s a good response from Suarez to those who love him and protect him, in a hostile environment born of jealousy."

Brendan Rodgers, speaking ahead of tonight's clash with Manchester United, claims Suarez has finally learned his lesson.

“I think the test for him will come over time,” said the Liverpool manager. “It won’t just be a one-off game. I think, over time, we will see the lessons learned and that maturity.

“He’s had support in every way. You look at how we work here, and it’s not just tactical and technical development, we look where we can improve their psychological state.

“For me, he just worked tirelessly on every aspect of his game. He’s had a long time to reflect on what happened.

“Now that’s all in the past. The ban is finished, he’s suffered because he hasn’t been playing. Now he’s available and we’re all delighted.”

Check out our latest blog on the latest Liverpool transfer rumours below.