Barcelona confident of getting Inigo Martinez

Barcelona are not giving up on Inigo Martinez. Xavi is to approve signing the Athletic Bilbao centre-back for next season, who could even have made it to the Camp Nou this summer, even though the move didn't come to fruition.

'Sport' reported on Saturday that the Basque defender will sign for the Catalan side for the next three seasons. What's more, Joan Laporta has always prioritised signing the Spaniard ahead of other options for the defence.

Inigo Martinez knows that Barcelona would prefer to sign a striker and a right-back, even though the he was told that he is part of the 'Cules' plans and that they'll be able to sign three new players for La Liga.

What's more, Gerard Romero claimed on Tuesday to 'Jigantes' that the footballer's wife has started to look for a house in Barcelona and its suburbs ahead of the agreement which is to be sealed between the club and the soon-to-be free agent.

Inigo Martinez has played 15 games for Athletic Bilbao so far this season. Addtionally, he got his first goal away to Valladolid in a game which ended 1-3 to the side from San Mames.