Javi Martinez wants to stay at Athletic Bilbao, says agent

Athletic Bilbao's versatile midfielder Javi Martinez looks set to stay with the club beyond the summer, after his agent reiterated the player's desire to remain at San Mames.

The 23-year-old is one of Europe's most highly-rated prospects and is rumoured to have interested a number of clubs across the continent.

According to a representative of Bahia International, the company that the Spain midfielder is signed up to, Javi Martinez is keen on a move to Bayern Munich, who have long been linked with a big-money bid.

However, de facto agent Tomas Sanz has reiterated his earlier claims that his client will be staying in the Basque country, unless his release clause is met.

"Javi Martinez wants to stay at Athletic Bilbao and the club would only sell for €40 million euros,"he said.

That stance will be of great relief coach Marco Bielsa, who had reportedly threatened to resign from his post should his prized asset leave the club.