Manchester United Transfer Rumor: Red Devils Ready to Shell Out £28M for Spanish Midfielder?

If new reports from the Spanish media are to be believed, English Premier League club, Manchester United, have prepared a hefty £28 million fee to match the buy-out clause for Spanish La Liga side Athletic Bilbao's Spanish midfield man, Javi Martinez, 23.

It was previously reported that United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, was not happy with the way he is being forced to deploy English defender Phil Jones as a midfielder, preferring to play the 19-year-old in his natural position. Ferguson must hope that the inclusion of Javi Martinez will allow him to do just that.

Apparently, United have already sent scouts to monitor the Spaniard and are fully aware that his club will be unwilling to sell one of their most prized assets. However, the club's hands could be forced if prospective buyers meet the buy-out clause in the player's contract.

Martinez was earlier linked to United's domestic rivals, Liverpool. That deal did not go through because Bilbao was not willing to play ball, according to a footylatest.com report.

Javier Javi Martinez Aguinaga has made a total of 197 appearances for Bilbao and has even managed to score 23 times.