Who the hell is César Azpilicueta? 10 things you need to know about the Manchester City transfer target

Published 10:27 02/11/09

Valencia's David Villa and Osasuna's Cesar Azpilicueta cropped

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has been to Spain to make a personal check on transfer target César Azpilicueta of Osasuna .

But what do we know about the young defender. Here's your essential guide...

1) César Azpilicueta was born on August 28, 1989 in Pamplona.

2) He joined his hometown club, Osasuna, as a junior in 2006 and has now made more than 60 first-team appearances.

3) He made his La Liga in April 2007 - away to Real Madrid in the Bernabeu. Osasuna lost 2-0.

4) Originally a midfielder, he established himself as Osasuna's first choice right-back in season 2007-08, when he appeared in all but two of their games.

5) He has represented Spain at Under-17, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 levels.

6) He was part of the Spanish side that won the UEFA Under-19 Championship in 2007.

7) Although he has played more than 60 times for Osasuna, he is still waiting to score his first goal for the club.

8) Manchester City could face competition for Azpilicueta's signature. Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the young defensive ace, while La Liga clubs Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Althletic Bilbao are also keeping tabs on his progress.

9) Azpilicueta is contracted to Osasuna until 2012. He has a £14m buy-out clause written into his deal.

10) The player himself is aware of his growing reputation around Europe. He says: "I know of rumours linking me with other clubs, but I have yet to speak with anybody. At the moment, I can only concentrate on working with Osasuna and progressing my football."

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