Transfer Target #9 - Martin Hinteregger

I can guarantee that not many of you have heard of Martin Hinteregger, or if you have, it would have been because of the 60yard goal against Schalke in preseason.

Currently at FC Red Bull Salzburg, the defender has been in Salzburg almost three and a half years. In those years, he has amassed 122 appearances and 7 goals. A tidy total for a 21 year old centre-back.

In his first season for the Austrian club, Hinteregger made his first team debut on October the 27, 2010. During that season, he drifted in and out of the first team recording 27 senior appearances while also making 12 youth team appearances. For Red Bull Juniors, the big Austrian was somewhat a bit of a goal scorer as he notched up 6 goals. Not too shabby.

His second season saw him help Salzburg to their 7th Bundesliga title and first ever Austrian Cup victory. During this successful year, he appeared 35 times and scored his first ever senior goal in a Europa League Qualifying Round against Nicosia on 25 August 2011. As well as adding to his trophy cabinet, Hinteregger's spell in the first team also gave him great experience for the future. 

Last season, he became a pivotal first team member for the Austrian champions. Scoring 3 goals in 29 appearances, his development was hampered through a hand fracture picked up in a match against Sturm Gratz. His exquisite performances witnessed Salzburg lose on only 5 occasions throughout the whole season in any competition. Even if it's only the Austrian League, it's still a great team effort.

This season has seen Hinteregger cement a place on the team sheet, making 31 appearances in the process and adding a further 3 goals to his tally. After 20 games, Salzburg are sitting pretty on top of the table with 46 points - 11 clear of second place. He also gained his first international cap in a 1-0 win over USA on the 19th. November 2013.

Martin Hinteregger is an admired prospect among the ranks of many top clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Lazio and Chelsea. As Austria aren't in the World Cup, a transfer in this window is possible however I cannot see the top English clubs try to buy him this January.