Barcelona have a deal in place for Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez.

Off contract in June, Martinez will join Barca this summer.

Sport says the 31 year-old passed a Barca medical last month, with his agent securing personal terms with Blaugrana directors last week. He will move on a similar two-year contract to his Athletic deal.

The stopper was a personal request from Barca coach Xavi.

His arrival will allow Xavi to shift Marcos Alonso to left-back from his make-shift centre-half role this season.