Hoeness impressed by tough negotiators

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has complimented Athletic Bilbao for their conduct during talks over the transfer of Javi Martinez.

Athletic had said the versatile midfielder would only be available if a club matched his buy-out clause and they have stood firm over their 40 million euro valuation of the Spanish international ever since.

The La Liga side’s hefty asking price prompted Barcelona to switch their attention to Arsenal’s Alex Song instead,but Bayern remained unfazed and are ready to splash the cash for Martinez.

“Hats off to Athletic,” Hoeness told reporters.

“They told us from the start that we would have to pay 40 million euros or the deal was off.

“They did not change their position during the negotiations and stood firm.”

Bayern are yet to agree personal terms with Martinez but are expected to conclude the deal in the coming days.

The 2012 DFL Supercup winners have already added the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri (FC Basel), Dante (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Mario Mandzukic (Wolfsburg) and Claudio Pizarro (Werder Bremen) to their squad this off-season.