UNITED FACE BATTLE TO SIGN SPANISH STAR

By Staff Writer
Updated: 8 February, 2012

Manchester United could face a battle to bring number one target Javi Martinez to Old Trafford after reports in Spain claim Real Madrid are now interested in the player.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been a long-term admirer of the Athletic Bilbao midfielder and it was rumoured United were planning a summer move to bring the player to England.

However Spanish site Merca Fútbol now claim league leaders Real Madrid are willing to pay €30 million for the signature of the highly rated, former Osasuna player.

United have long tracked the player and Ferguson is said to have earmarked Martinez, who can also player in defence, as a future Old Trafford stalwart.

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