Luton in transfer race for £10m Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez but move faces being scuppered – by Lionel Messi

LIONEL MESSI has hit Luton’s hopes of signing Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez.

The Hatters are trying for Inter Miami hitman Martinez but fell short of the £10million valuation —  so need the South American to push to leave.

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Luton want to sign Martinez[/caption]

Reuters

However, the move could be scuppered by Messi[/caption]

But Martinez, 30, has hit it off with Messi since the Argentine arrived in the MLS last week.

The pair have been close in training and Martinez even jokingly called him his “new best friend”.

Luton’s other hope is that David Beckham’s Inter also sign former Liverpool star Luis Suarez — which could edge Martinez closer to an exit.

Messi agreed to join Inter Miami on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last month.

He was officially unveiled as an Inter player earlier this week after arriving in the US to an overwhelming reception.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner made his debut on Friday evening and announced himself to fans by scoring an outstanding free kick.

Inter Miami won the match 2-1 thanks to Messi’s late contribution, which left Beckham and his family stunned.

The Herons also completed the signing of former Barcelona star Sergio Busquets this week, who joined Messi in making his debut on Friday.

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The Spaniard became the third ex-Barcelona star to join the club this summer.

Jordi Alba made the switch earlier this week to become the fourth.

And Spain legend Andres Iniesta is expected to join his former teammates at the DRV PNK Stadium before the summer concludes.