Barcelona Reignite Interest in Real Sociedad Centre Back to Pad Shallow Defensive Options

Barcelona are to set to rejoin the battle to sign Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez following a defensive injury crisis.

Barça were reportedly tracking the 26-year-old earlier in the year, but eventually opted out of a deal. 

However, according to Marca, Ernesto Valverde and the club hierarchy may considerthe Spaniard'a €32m release clause a price worth paying in January following injury to Javier Mascherano and a suspension for Gerard Pique.

While Barcelona are riding high in the league at the moment, Thomas Vermaelen and Samuel Umiti are currently the club's only available first choice centre backs going into crucial games in the coming weeks against Juventus, Valencia and Real Madrid.

Martinez has played a crucial role in Sociedad's side since his senior team debut in 2011, making 193 La Liga appearances for the club and is bidding to be in Spain's squad for next summer's World Cup. 

He's made four appearances for the national side since his debut in 2013, having played a big part in he Under-21 side that won the 2013 European Championship.

Barça fans will get a chance to see the defender in European action on Thursday when Sociedad travel to Norway to face Rosenborg in the Europa League.