Barcelona are reportedly considering making an attempt to sign Athletic Bilbao centre-back Inigo Martinez during the January transfer window.
The 31-year-old's contract with his Basque club is due to expire next June, and it appears that he has turned down the opportunity to sign an extension.
Barcelona were heavily linked with the Spain international over the summer, but the transfer window closed with him still at San Mames.
Martinez missed the start of the 2022-23 campaign with a knee problem but has been involved in his side's last six La Liga matches, including the 2-2 draw with Getafe last time out.
Barcelona boss Xavi is said to be a huge admirer of the Spaniard, with a deal on a free transfer next summer believed to be in the club's thoughts.
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However, according to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan outfit could bring forward their plans and instead attempt to sign Martinez during the January transfer window.
The report claims that Xavi likes Martinez's 'experience and character', while his ability in possession has made him a leading target for Barcelona in 2023.
The La Liga giants signed two new centre-backs over the summer, with Jules Kounde making a big-money switch from Sevilla and Andreas Christensen arriving on a free transfer from Chelsea.
However, recent injuries to Ronald Araujo, Christensen and Kounde have left Barcelona light in the middle of their defence during a testing period of the campaign.
Gerard Pique has benefitted from the absences to enjoy game time, but the 35-year-old could potentially leave Camp Nou next year, which would open up space for another addition.
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Martinez, who has been capped on 19 occasions by Spain, came through the youth system at Real Sociedad, initially turning out for their B side before making his first-team debut in 2011.
The defender spent seven years with the White and Blues, making 239 appearances in all competitions, before moving to Athletic, and he has now played 165 games for the Basque side.
Martinez has made 348 appearances in La Liga during his time with Real Sociedad and Athletic, while he also featured on four occasions for the former in the Champions League.
There is thought to be a €80m (£68m) release clause in his current deal with the Lions, but Barcelona would allegedly only be prepared to sign him in January if he was available in a cut-price transfer.
Matt Law
