Barcelona chiefs haven't forgotten Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez.

Barca made an attempt for the stopper over the summer, but couldn't find room in their wage cap to close his signing.

Instead, Mundo Deportivo says Barca are ready to sign Martinez next summer when his current contract expires.

An agreement between the player's agents and Barca was reached in August and remains in place.

Barca coach Xavi rates Martinez highly and views the Athletic fans' favourite as a natural replacement for veteran defender Gerard Pique.