Premier League fans have become acquainted with the names of Valencia stars David Villa and David Silva in recent transfer windows; but as I explained in The Daily Mirror on Friday, there is one player who is rapidly becoming the most coveted asset in La Liga: Juan Mata.

He left Real Madrid in 2007 to sign for Valencia and the 21 year old Spanish international is now contemplating a move away from a club where he feels - as one of the lowest paid players in the squad - that his true worth goes unappreciated by the board.

When Valencia complete the signing of Chori Domiguez from Rubin Kazan in January, collecting a much higher salary than what Mata currently earns: it is a slap in the face for the young Spaniard that could push him towards a transfer to another club where he can work with a manager who will help him develop while allowing him to flourish on the big stage.

Mata has recently been linked with a move to Liverpool and Mata`s associates have been briefing Rafa Benitez about the talented young forward`s qualities both on and off the pitch - informing the Liverpool boss of the player`s university education, intelligence, his excellent work ethic and attitude in training: not to mention the fact that he already speaks some English.

And of course, Rafa already knows about Mata`s international credentials and his ability to play anywhere across the forward line.

I have a theory that Liverpool may try with Mata a similar thing to what they attempted to do with Silva: make a move for him early on before a bidding war escalates with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona pushing his value beyond the Premier League club`s reach.

That plan failed with Silva last summer after Valencia refused to negotiate with Liverpool who were willing to offer £20 million.

Valencia needed the player to stay to help convince investors reduce the club debts but now they are prepared to sell someone for a much higher fee.

I am sure that Liverpool will seriously consider a move for Mata, but persuading Valencia to part with him may actually turn out to be more complicated than persuading them to sell their more famous stars: as the Spanish club appreciate that while Villa and Silva have reached their full market potential, Mata`s value will increase the longer they can keep hold of him.