Inter held talks with Inigo Martinez

Inter were reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez but refused to meet his €32m release clause.

According to Marca, the Nerazzurri believed La Real would not demand the central defender’s full clause but a refusal to negotiate ensured the transfer broke down.

Inter were keen to strengthen their backline and were also linked to Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala and Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi, but when those deals did not come to fruition they turned to Martinez.

The 26-year-old defender has amassed 193 La Liga appearances for the Basques since his debut in 2011 and his current deal at the club runs until June 2021.

Part of Spain’s Under-21 European Championship winning side in 2013, Martinez has gone on to be capped four times at senior level for La Roja.

Earlier this summer, he had been linked with a move to Barcelona who despite reportedly agreeing a deal, pulled the plug on a move at the last minute.

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