Both Manchester United and Manchester City are set to lose out to La Liga champions FC Barcelona in the race to sign exciting young Real Sociedad centre-back Inigo Martinez this summer.
The two Premier League giants have been sending scouts over to the Basque country since the turn of the year to run their eye over the Spain international as they both look to purchase a new central defender fort next season.
However, the champions and their city rivals will now have to switch their focus elsewhere after the Catalans began moves to lure Martinez to Camp Nou this summer, with Barca’s recent Fifa-imposed transfer ban set to be reduced on appeal.