Barcelona are monitoring Manchester City’s Eric Garcia and could make a move to bring him to the club in the summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Blues defender left the Catalan club in 2017, having spent nine years in their youth development ranks, to join City.

He has gone on to make 14 senior appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, and has twice played 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, against Sheffield United and Everton, per Transfermarkt. City won both games.

Barca are subsequently following his progress closely, per the report, and are keen on a potential reunion as they look to rebuild their defence.

Mundo claims that his contract expires at the end of next season and, as such, Barca could look to negotiate a deal this summer that would allow him to move to Camp Nou for a low price, though they may wait to see if he becomes available on a free transfer.

City, naturally, are reticent to allow the 19-year-old to leave and are poised to offer him a new contract; it remains to be seen, though, if he will follow in the footsteps of current Barca defender Gerard Pique, who left their academy to join Manchester United, before ending up back in Catalunya.

GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…

City can’t really afford to lose Garcia.

He is just beginning to make his mark on the first-team and is clearly highly-regarded; he has won five caps for Spain’s U21 side, and has played in the Champions League for Guardiola’s men.

City also have issues in central defence, with Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones both flattering to deceive in recent seasons.

Having a young, hungry, highly talented centre-back who is only likely to improve is rare and allowing him to slip through their fingers would be a major mistake.

They need to get the teenager tied down now, and ensure that he is not tempted by a return to Spain.