Manchester City eye January move for ex-Barcelona target

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is interested in signing Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez in January, claims The Sun.

Guardiola currently only has three recognised centre-backs available with John Stones sidelined until the end of January.

With reservations over Eliaquim Mangala, Guardiola is aware that injury to Vincent Kompany could really derail City’s title hopes and plans to sign another defender in the New Year.

The City head coach wanted to sign a new fourth centre-back in the summer but failed to land any of his key targets and may now revisit his interest in Martinez.

Barcelona were heavily linked with a move for the 26-year-old during the summer and even contemplated triggering his €32m (£28.6m) release clause.

Martinez has only managed six appearances for Real Sociedad in La Liga this season and only Asier Illarramendi (71) averages more passes per game for La Real than the Spain international (57.3).