Manchester Clubs in Battle for Spanish Midfielder

Manchester City are set to battle it out with arch rivals United for the signature of Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez. The Spain international, who is injured so will miss today's clash against England, has impressed for Bilbao this season and City are keen to strike a deal even though they are well blessed in midfield. The 23-year-old has a £34million exit clause in his contract and although that will not concern City, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson may not be willing to go that high. The central midfielder has been compared to former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, so it is no surprise that Kenny Dalglish is also being linked with a move.