Friday's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup: Eric Garcia, Nathan Ake, Pau Torres

The buildup to the summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Manchester City eye possible reinforcements.

The 2018-19 champions did not bring in a single player during the January transfer window, despite suffering a defensive shortage for much of the campaign so far.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.

Friday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:

Manchester City 'want £30m for Barcelona-linked Eric Garcia'

© Reuters

Eric Garcia will reportedly only be allowed to leave Manchester City during this summer's transfer window if Pep Guardiola's side receive an offer of £30m.

The 19-year-old has been heavily involved for City since the restart in June, but Guardiola revealed at a press conference on Thursday that the central defender did not want to sign a new deal at the Etihad Stadium.

Garcia's current contract with the Citizens is due to expire at the end of next season.

However, according to BBC Sport, City are not prepared to allow the Spaniard to leave this summer unless their £30m valuation is met.

Barcelona continue to be strongly linked with a player who came through the Spanish club's La Masia academy before moving to England in 2017.

The Spain Under-21 international made 13 Premier League appearances during the 2019-20 campaign, while he also turned out against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League last November.

Manchester United 'were interested in Nathan Ake'

© Reuters

Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing Nathan Ake before Manchester City completed a deal for the Netherlands international.

City announced on Wednesday that they had signed the central defender from Bournemouth in a £41m deal.

United were linked with the 25-year-old before he officially joined Pep Guardiola's side, and according to Sky Sports News, the Red Devils were interested in a move.

The report, though, claims that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were ultimately priced out of a deal as they continue to put the majority of their efforts into attempting to sign Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.

United are currently in a stand-off with BVB as the two clubs appear to have have differing opinions on the England international's valuation in the summer market.

The 20-time English champions will be looking to book their spot in the semi-finals of the Europa League when they take on Copenhagen in the last eight of the competition on Monday night.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

Barcelona 'want Pau Torres if Eric Garcia bid fails'
Barcelona identify Villarreal's Pau Torres as an alternative to Manchester City's Eric Garcia, according to a report. Read more.

Eric Garcia turns down new contract at Manchester City
The highly-rated 19-year-old centre-back has been linked with a return to his boyhood club Barcelona. Read more.