Barcelona are eyeing Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez.

Marca says Barca coach Ernesto Valverde is an admirer of the 26-year-old, and the former Athletic Club boss has reportedly made a direct request for Martinez's signing as he looks to further strengthen the defence.

The Catalan side's interest in the player was first reported by Noticias de Gipuzkoa.

Since La Real are not willing to negotiate a transfer, in a similar way to Barcelona's handling of the Neymar situation, the Blaugrana must pay the 32 million euro release clause if they want to sign Martinez.