Barcelona ‘to make another move to sign Manchester City defender Eric Garcia in January’

Barcelona are reportedly interested in singing Manchester City defender Eric Garcia in January, however the incoming president will need to give the go ahead to any potential transfer. 

Plans are in place to strengthen the Barcelona squad in the January window, despite the resignation of president Josep Maria Bartomeu on Tuesdsay.

According to ESPN Sporting director Ramon Planes and manager Ronald Koeman believe another centre back is needed at the Nou Camp, Garcia is seen as a long term replacement for Gerard Pique. 

Barcelona will reportedly move for Eric Garcia in January after  failing to sign him this summer

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hopes Garcia will extend his stay at the Etihad

Barca attempted to sign the 19-year-old in the summer but failed to agree a fee with City, the Catalans however plan to renegotiate with the Sky Blues in the hope of reaching an agreement for the new president to sign off on. 

The Premier League club turned down a final offer worth around £9million up front with a further £7.2miliion in add-ons, City reportedly wanted a package worth £18million to sell the Spanish international. 

Barcelona are hopeful a deal can be done as Garcia is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning City might be willing to lower their demands rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next summer.      

City boss Pep Guardiola said: ‘He wants to leave but maybe we can seduce him to extend his contract with us.’

Garcia is seen as a ‘long term replacement’ to Spanish international team mate Gerard Pique

Barca are short of defensive options; Ronald Araujo played with a thigh injury in their 2-0 win over Juventus on Wednesday however this only aggravated the problem, he was taken off at half time and midfielder Frenkie de Jong had to fill in at centre-back.

Pique and Clement Lenglet are the only fit senior centre backs for Saturday’s trip to Alaves, Araujo will be out for a month however Samuel Umtiti returned to light training on Thursday. 

Barca are currently without a board of directors following Bartomeu’s resignation, a managing committee is running the club, but they do not have the authority to buy players. 

Club statutes state elections must be held within 90 days of a president resigning, therefore the new incumbent should take over by January if not before then.