Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Real Sociedad centre-back Inigo Martinez.

The 22-year-old is believed to have a release clause in the region of £25m, with Sociedad unprepared to open negotiations unless that figure is met.

However, according to Marca, Barcelona have not been put off by the fee and could move for the Spanish international in the January transfer window.

The Catalan outfit are widely expected to move for a defender in 2014 due to Carlos Puyol's ongoing injury problems and speculation linking Javier Mascherano with a switch to Italian side Napoli.

Martinez, who came through the youth ranks at Sociedad, is widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in European football.