Eric García has less than a year left on his contract at Manchester City and has decided in August not to sign an extension with the English club.
The Citizens haven’t given up on convincing the centre-back to continue at the club beyond this season, and after their Champions League win over FC Porto last week, Pep Guardiola admitted he and his side are trying to “seduce” the Spain international to renew his contract at Etihad.
Barcelona were keen on acquiring the 19-year-old’s services, but they failed to meet the demands set by the Premier League club during the last transfer window.
A ‘Top Secret’ report from Mundo Deportivo explains the La Liga side ‘contemplated’ signing Lazio’s Luiz Felipe in the final days of the last transfer window. They called the Brazilian’s representatives, but both parties make it clear there was ‘no formal offer’.
Reports from Italy explain Ronald Koeman’s side will return for the Serie A defender in January and the operation to sign him could rise to €30m. However, these figures are beyond reach for the Spanish side.
The newspaper explains the Blaugrana’s ‘first option was always and continues to be Eric García’.
Barca have already reached an agreement with the City player to join them either in the winter market or arrive on a free transfer next summer, and despite claims of interest in Lazio’s Felipe, Mundo makes it clear the Spanish giants continue to bet on García.
