Barcelona Interested in signing Inigo Martinez from Athletic Bilbao

BARCELONA have made a €15m offer for Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez.

Sport says sources close to the negotiation say Barça's director Mateu Alemany has already contacted Athletic's general manager, Jon Berasategi, and has presented an initial offer of fifteen million euros plus incentives for the centre-back.

The proposal seems too low for the Basque club to accept, but Barça is currently not willing to raise their offer either.

Iñigo Martinez, for his part, is very excited about Barça's interest and will put pressure on Athletic to let him leave.

He has no intention of renewing his contract, so even should he not be able to join this summer, he can sign for Barça from January 1.

As a reminder, Barcelona are still looking for a left-footed centre-back. Such a player could help Xavi if he decides to switch to a three-at-the-back formation from time to time.