Man City hoping to pip Europe’s top clubs for signing Spanish defender Martinez

London: Manchester City is confident they would be able to land Athletic Bilbao defender Javi Martinez at Etihad Stadium before the start of next season, as they plan to make an a 25 million pound offer for the Spain international.

City is optimistic to steal ahead of other potential suitors Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid to sign Martinez. City is expected to send scouts to watch Martinez play for Bilbao in the Spanish Cup final, when he will face Barcelona in Pep Guardiola’s send-off game, The Daily Mail reports. Martinez has a buy-out clause in his Bilbao contract of around 24 million pounds, and all four suitors are expected to match that price but City feel they can tempt him to England. Martinez was the Spain Under 21 captain when they were victorious in the European Championship last year, and also has senior international cap to his name. ANI