Barcelona are allegedly preparing a final offer of £7m for Manchester City defender Eric Garcia, whom they intend to land during the January transfer window.
The Catalan giants were linked with the youthful centre-back throughout the summer but a deal did not materialise, with City reportedly holding out for a higher figure than what Barca were offering.
However, having turned down City's proposed new deal, Garcia is now in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and will be able to walk away for free next summer.
Barcelona will look to take advantage of the situation, according to The Mirror, with Catalan bosses confident of striking a £7m deal before City run the risk of losing Garcia for nothing in eight months' time.
The Spaniard has continued to play under Pep Guardiola and boasts four appearances in all competitions this season, but regular first-team opportunities for the teenager are limited with Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias forming an effective partnership.
Despite Guardiola's faith in him, Garcia is believed to view his long-term future at Camp Nou rather than in the Premier League.
Ben Knapton
