Transfer report: Barcelona to rival Liverpool in pursuit of Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez

1 Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez

Barcelona are back in for Liverpool target Inigo Martinez.

The Spanish giants were chasing the Real Sociedad defender in the summer but it was reported that their interest had cooled in recent months.

However, according to Marca, Barcelona are now once again chasing Martinez after a defensive crisis.

Samuel Umtiti has fallen out of favour at the Nou Camp, while fellow centre-back Javier Mascherano is currently out injured.

That is leaving Barca very short at the back and they want to bring in Martinez in January to ease their problems.

That will come as a hammer blow to Liverpool, who have also been tracking Martinez over the past year.