Barcelona are reportedly planning to announce the signing of Manchester City defender Eric Garcia in January, although he would not be arriving at the club until the summer.

Garcia enjoyed a breakthrough season last year under Pep Guardiola as the 19-year-old established himself as a first-team regular.

However, it was announced that the teenager had turned down the chance to extend his contract at the Etihad Stadium as he wishes to move back to Spain.

Marta Carreras of Catalunya Radio reports that Garcia has his sights set on a return to Barcelona and that a move for the defender is likely to happen, with him joining the club for free next summer.

Players who are in the last year of their contracts are allowed to negotiate and sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs from January 1, and it seems that Barcelona have had this deal in the pipeline for some time and that they will be prepared to announce the deal next month before he joins following the conclusion of this current campaign.

Garcia has made over 30 senior appearances for City since making his debut in December 2018, with seven of those occurring this season in all competitions.