Manchester City have scouts posted last week at the Basque derby between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao.
Mundo Deportivo says City request and were granted tickets by La Real for their scouts.
The City reps took seats in the stands, rather than in a stadium box.
Subject of their interest was La Real midfielder Martin Zubmendi, who is admired by City manager Pep Guardiola and sports chief Txiki Begiristain.
La Real coach Imanol Alguacil has admitted this season, "Half of Europe likes him."
