United Target Sociedad Star Inigo Martinez as Nemanja Vidic Replacement - Report

Manchester United are preparing an approach in signing Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez in the summer, according to the Tutto Mercato Web.

The 22-year-old came up through the club's youth system before making it to Sociedad's B team in 2009. He impressed during those two years with the B team, which earned him a place in the Spanish side's first team.

Martinez has been a regular inclusion in Sociedad's back four and has started in 28 league games this season, scoring two goals in the process. He was an integral part of Spain's back four which won the UEFA European U21 Championship in 2013.

The former Everton manager has field different combination in the heart of the defence as all central defenders were injured at some point this season.

The report claims Moyes has set his sights on signing Martinez as a long-term replacement for Nemanja Vidic. United skipper is in his final few months of the contract and has already confirmed his transfer to Inter Milan on a free transfer for next season.

The Red Devils presently have the services of Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, along with Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling in the central defending position.

The former England international's contract at United runs out this summer. Ferdinand has dropped a hint that he would end his playing career at the end of the season.

"A lot of people get to the stage of life where they start retiring and are worried and nervous," Ferdinand said.

"They get a bit of anxiety, but I am – not looking forward to retiring from football – but looking forward to that next stage of my life when it comes because there are a lot of avenues that are there waiting to be explored, so I can't wait really."

With Vidic confirming his exit from Old Trafford, Ferdinand could follow the Serbian at the end of the season. Moyes will be looking to strengthen United's back four in the summer.

Sociedad has managed 11 clean sheets this season and Martinez has been a part of the starting lineup on 10 occasions. The addition of the Spaniard to United's squad is likely to bolster the formation and help Moyes in improving the Red Devils' defensive record.