Barcelona's €40m 'double' deal: Catalans step up Javi Martinez chase as Bielsa's

[Ibrahim Ibrahim A]

The World Cup winner and European champion is much sought-after on the continent, but the Catalans have made him their top target after snapping up Jordi Alba.
Javi Martinez is a man in demand. Last summer, the Athletic Bilbao midfielder captained Spain's under-21 side to European Championship success in Denmark and then signed a new contract to stay at San Mames until 2016. This summer, following more continental cheer with La Roja's senior side at Euro 2012, he now seems unlikely to fulfill it.