Barcelona optimistic of completing Eric Garcia signing before deadline

FC Barcelona are still working on signing Manchester City defender Eric Garcia before the transfer window closes on Monday. With Sergiño Dest signed, the Catalan centre-back is their next target. There is still no agreement with City, but Barça are confident they will be able to strike an agreement before the deadline. 

Barça don't want to let Garcia escape. It's a strategic signing for the present and the future and the club are ready to make a financial effort to get the deal done. That doesn't mean they will pay over the market price for a player who is out of contract next year. But it does mean they are prepared to pay more than the 10 million originally budgeted. At least 15 million plus variables if no other players are involved in the deal. Rafinha and Zinchenko have been mentioned. 

Barça appreciated Garcia's gesture in resisting City's offers to renew. He has been brave to bet everything on Barça and they don't want to leave him in no-man's land for a year. Garcia is grateful to coach Pep Guardiola, though, and isn't against remaining in England for another year, but it's not the ideal situation. 

City know he wants to return to Barcelona, so would also rather reach an agreement to sell rather than see him go for free next year. The signing of Ruben Dias this week has opened the door for Eric to go. Both clubs expect an agreement to be found and, save any later surprises, Garcia should be a Barça player again in the coming days.