Íñigo Martínez and Laporte are Barça's two options to strengthen defence

Barcelona president Joan Laporta warned that the club will only sign a centre-back this summer if it is a good opportunity. And the Blaugrana already have two candidates to reinforce the backline with a left-footed player, something that coach Xavi Hernández has requested.

The most advanced negotiation is for Íñigo Martínez, although in recent weeks there has arisen the possibility of bidding for Aymeric Laporte, from Manchester City. Unless there are serious problems with the salary limit, one of the two will come.

Barça's first choice had always been Martínez, a player whose contract expires on 30 June and who seems determined not to renew with Athletic. The Catalan club tried to sign him last summer, offering Athletic a low amount but no agreement was reached despite the player's insistence. His contract is now up in three momehts and Barça must decide whether to activate a move for him.

The coaching staff like Martínez for his experience in LaLiga and for his good ball control. He is a player with character, who has good friends in the squad already and whose adaptation would be easy. Barça have wanted him for several summers and now they are giving him the chance. Although he has other offers, he is attracted by the move to Camp Nou.

The other option has a similar profile: Laporte, a player who has been losing prominence at Manchester City and who could have the doors open to leave at the end of the season. Barça are aware of this and also of his willingness to join them, but the problem is the type of operation and the player's salary. Laporte could only come on loan with an option to buy and would have to adjust his salary to Barça's new parameters.

In the event that there are no resources because of the salary limit, Barça are considering converting Marcos Alonso as a left-sided centre-back, a position in which he has already played regularly this season. With Jordi Alba and Balde, the left-back position would be covered.