Barcelona have identified Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez as a replacement for Gerard Pique.

Pique has announced his retirement this week.

Sport says Barcelona have effectively replaced him already - they have a deal with Athletic Bilbao's Martinez.

He will come for free in the summer and fill Pique's spot. He is left footed and a useful player for Xavi to have.

Barcelona have been talking to Martinez for months. They nearly signed him last summer but Athletic weren't keen.

Barca are expected to wait until June to sign the stopper.