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29 March 2024

Manchester City tracking Bilbao defender Martinez

Javi Martinez of Athletic Bilbao in action during the UEFA Europa League final against Atletico Madrid. (GETTY)

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By Staff

Manchester City are moving to strength their backline even as they hope to reinforce their attack by waiting patiently for Robin van Persie.

The Premier League champions will launch their summer spending with a £25 million offer for Athletic Bilbao defender Javier Martinez, the Mirror reported exclusively.

Manchester United and Barcelona have also been tracking Martinez.

But Chelsea are keen to stay ahead of the pack and draw first blood after the bitter disappointment of missing out on Chelsea-bound £32m Belgian winger Eden Hazard, it said.

The 23-year-old excelled as Athletic reached the Europa League Final last season and will be part of the Spain squad defending their European crown.

Roberto Mancini wants a top-class defensive recruit after being priced out of a move for AC Milan’s Thiago Silva, the report added.

Mancini was told it would cost City £25m plus Pablo Zabaleta to prise the Brazilian away from the Italians when he visited the Milan training ground last week.

City have rejected the offer and have now set their sights on Martinez.

City hope to completeg the deal before Euro 2012 kicks off on Friday.

In the meantime, the Blues wait patiently in their bid to land Robin van Persie who will not decide about his future until after the Euros.

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