Manchester City are making a new move for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez. The Daily Mail says Martinez, who can also play in defence, has been at the top of Roberto Mancini's wanted list and is thought to be one of the main causes of recent unrest between the Manchester City manager and his bosses.

While Bayern agreed to meet the 40million euros (£31.4m) release clause in Martinez's Bilbao contract, City baulked at such an asking price and left Mancini fuming over a perceived lack of urgency from the club's football administrator, Brian Marwood.

However, the door has been left ajar for City after Bayern failed to resolve a hitch over how the fee should be paid.

The German giants' president Uli Hoeness said: "I'm not sure we are going to be able to get the player."