Barcelona have reportedly decided to prioritise a move for Manchester City's Eric Garcia ahead of Memphis Depay in January following the injury to Gerard Pique.
Pique is expected to miss a large chunk of the season after suffering cruciate knee ligament damage during Saturday's La Liga defeat to Atletico Madrid, leaving Barcelona short of defensive options.
The cash-strapped Spanish giants could therefore be forced into the transfer market despite their ongoing financial difficulties, and Goal reports that their priorities have changed as a result.
Manager Ronald Koeman is known to be keen to sign Lyon forward Memphis Depay, with the player himself hinted at a January move to Camp Nou, but Barca will instead now switch their attention to signing Garcia.
The 19-year-old was the subject of multiple bids from Barcelona during the summer, but Man City refused to sell despite Garcia's insistence that he would not sign a new contract, with his current deal expiring at the end of this season.
Barcelona are hopeful that Man City will now be willing to cash in on the centre-back instead of losing him for free next summer.
Garcia came through the ranks at Barcelona before joining Man City, where he has since made 27 appearances for the first team.
Barney Corkhill
