Barcelona sound out Manchester City defender

 

Barcelona have made an initial enquiry for highly rated Manchester City centre-back Eric Garcia, claims ESPN.

 

The Spanish giants are in financial turmoil following the Coronavirus pandemic but have one eye on bolstering their defensive options for next season.

 

With Samuel Umtiti and Jean-Clair Todibo transfer listed, coupled with the fact Gerard Pique turns 34 midway at the start of next year, Barcelona have problems to address at the back.

 

One potential avenue being explored is re-signing Garcia from City, having lost the teenage centre-back to their Premier League counterparts back in 2017.

 

Garcia was considered one of Barcelona's best academy prospects at the time of his departure to join Pep Guardiola at City and is highly thought of by the Spaniard.

 

Guardiola believes the 19-year-old has a big future and has been particularly impressed with his ability to spot and solve problems in training.

 

Barcelona sound out Manchester City defender

 

 

While City have rejected Barcelona's advances for the Spain Under-21 international, they need to resolve his long-term future as he only has two years left to run on his current deal.

 

With Guardiola unlikely to still be at City during Garcia's best years, Barcelona believe there is a chance they can prise the teenager back to Camp Nou at some point.

 

Garcia has made six Premier League appearances for City this season and misplaced just 17 of 264 attempted passes in the competition.