Report: Eric Garcia signs pre-contract agreement with Barcelona

Eric Garcia has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Barcelona for free in the summer after rejecting Manchester City's latest offer, according to The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano.

However, the 19-year-old defender could move as soon as January if Barca can agree on a transfer fee with City.

Last summer, when it became apparent Garcia may not extend his terms in Manchester, the English club was reportedly requesting £20 million with £10 million in add-ons for his services. City's demands should be lower since Garcia appears to be leaving for nothing at the end of June.

The Spaniard seems keen to return to Barcelona after leaving them for City in 2017, regardless of who the club elects as its new president in January. Garcia had been a regular at City under Pep Guardiola near the end of last season but has played just 200 Premier League minutes this term since effectively distancing himself from his manager's future plans.