Vilanova hints at Martinez interest
Javi Martinez
The Athletic Bilbao player has been linked with a move to the Catalans through the transfer period but he has so far pledged his future to the Lions.
Barca are currently looking for a central defender and having lost out on AC Milan’s Thiago Silva, they are expected to intensify their pursuit of Martinez.
The Spanish international is naturally a defensive midfielder but spent the 2011/12 season playing as a central defender and also excelled in that position.
"If we find a player who can cover both as a centre-back and a holding midfielder, then great,” Vilanova told reporters.
“If we don't, then we can rely on the players we already have.
"He (Martinez) fits the profile of what we're looking for, but we don't need to name names."
Vilanova has made one signing so far since taking over from Pep Guardiola, recruiting Spanish left-back Jordi Alba from Valencia.
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