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.
© 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.
© 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.
Carter White
