Javi Martinez
Manchester City are already making plans for their summer spending and Spanish publication AS says that they are lining up a bid for midfielder Javi Martinez .
The 21 year-old is currently playing for Athletic Bilbao, who were so impressed with him as a teenager that they paid 6 million Euros to sign him aged 17 from Osasuna. Considered an excellent versatile midfielder, he can provide a physical presence as a box to box player or can be utilized as a playmaker behind the strikers.
AS reports that Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes that Martinez will boost the quality of his midfield and is prepared to meet the 30 million Euros buy out clause in the midfielder's contract.
Liverpool were reported to have been interested in signing Martinez last summer as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, but the move never materialized.
Martinez is the captain of the Spain under-21 side and has become a crucial part of the Athletic Bilbao lineup in each of the last three seasons, helping them to the 2009 Spanish cup final. He has already scored 5 goals in 27 appearances this season.
Manchester City have already boosted their midfield since Mancini's arrival at Eastlands, with the signing of Patrick Vieira .