Barcelona are stepping up their pursuit of Athletic Bilbao defender Javi Martinez.

After seeing AC Milan choose to keep hold of Thiago Silva last week, Barca have now made Martinez their No1 defensive target, says El Mundo Deportivo.

Martinez's contract carries a €40 million buyout clause, though Barca would seek to do business for just over half that figure.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is also keen on the 23 year-old Spain international.