Barca to win Martinez race

Barcelona look set to trump Manchester City in the race to sign Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez, believe reports in England.

The young Spain international has been attracting interest from across the continent following an impressive campaign with the La Liga outfit.

Reports today suggest that Barcelona Sporting Director Andoni Zubizarreta has met with Athletic President Josu Urrutia regarding a possible move for the 23-year-old, even as the Blaugrana reportedly struggle to finance the move for Martinez, having already brought in Jordi Alba from Valencia.

The Catalan outfit are prepared to offer £20.3m for Martinez, while offering young goalkeeper Oier Olazabal in part exchange, but are also believed to be considering selling Ibrahim Afellay and Cristian Tello in order to finance the move.

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La Liga - Club News