Eric Garcia Reportedly Set to Leave Barcelona's La Masia for Manchester City

Manchester City are reportedly closing in on signing Barcelona academy defender Eric Garcia, one of La Masia's "biggest hopes for the future."

According to Sport's Albert Roge, the 16-year-old centre-back's representative has told Barca youth coach, Pep Segura, that Garcia will not sign a new deal with the Catalans, and there is a three-year deal worth €1 million (around £900,000) on the table from City. 

The Sky Blues were hit with a two-year transfer ban on signing academy players from other English clubs back in May, per the Times' Paul Joyce.

It is no surprise, then, that they are looking to Europe for their youth acquisitions.

It is also no shock that Garcia and his representatives should be tempted by the money on offer from City, which few other clubs, including Barca, could offer potential academy players.

Per Roge, losing under-17 Spain international Garcia will come as a big blow to Barca as he has consistently impressed in the youth ranks with his "leadership, his ability to bring the ball out from the back and his presence at set plays," while he has also been compared to Gerard Pique.

His ability on the ball is no doubt one of the key reasons City have moved for him as manager Pep Guardiola is famous for his philosophy of building out from the back.