Barcelona reportedly have a verbal agreement in place with Inigo Martinez to sign the experienced central defender on a free transfer this summer.
The 31-year-old's contract with Athletic Bilbao is due to expire at the end of June, and he is not expected to sign a new deal at San Mames.
Barcelona have long been linked with the Spain international, who has been restricted to just 14 appearances in all competitions this season due to a troublesome foot injury.
A recent report claimed that Atletico Madrid were also in the running for his signature, but Xavi's side have always been at the head of the queue for the defender.
According to ESPN, there is now a verbal agreement in place for Barcelona to sign Martinez when his deal with Athletic comes to an end this summer.
© Reuters
The report, though, claims that the Catalan outfit will only be able to bring the Spaniard to Camp Nou if they reduce their wage bill, which will mean that players have to leave this summer.
Martinez recently said that he was "very comfortable" at San Mames, but the speculation surrounding a possible move to Barcelona has continued to gather pace.
"The subject is a bit tiring, but these are things that happen. I am happy here and I feel very comfortable. My future is still not clear at all," Martinez told Onda Vasca towards the end of last year.
"It is neither the time nor the place to talk about these issues of my renewal. I do not lose focus and I'm always giving my best for Athletic.
"I have a contract until the end of the season, I will fight and that is what God wants. I am very happy here, I come every day with a smile and I enjoy Bilbao. I feel loved."
© Reuters
Martinez started his professional career with Real Sociedad, making 239 appearances for the club, including over 200 outings in La Liga, before moving to Athletic in January 2018.
The defender has now made 173 appearances for his current side, while he has 354 outings in Spain's top flight to his name, with his vast experience in La Liga making him an attractive acquisition for Barcelona.
Martinez has recovered from his foot injury to play the full 90 minutes in Athletic's last three league matches against Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona and Real Valladolid.
Barcelona are currently well-stocked in the middle of their defence, but a recent report claimed that Andreas Christensen has emerged as a target for Newcastle United.
