Real Madrid watching Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez

Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez.

The young Spain international, 21, is seen by Real chiefs as ideal cover for Xabi Alonso.

Real will move for Martinez at the end of the season, though the midfielder signed a new deal to 2014 with Bilbao earlier this season. The player's buyout clause is set at £24 million.