PEP GUARDIOLA says Manchester City will fight to keep young Spanish defender Eric Garcia out of Barcelona’s clutches.
The Catalan giants are keen to take their former academy product, 19, back to the Nou Camp – and reports in Spain say he fancies going back home.
Man City defender Eric Garcia, 19, is the subject of interest from former side Barcelona
But City have offered him a new deal at the Etihad and he has impressed Guardiola – earning a place in the first team this season.
Guardiola says Garcia knows how much City want him but at the end it will be up to the youngster to decide where his future lies.
The City boss said: “There is no updates, we have one more year, if they want him they must call Txiki and we’ll try to convince him to stay here for many years.
“I’m confident he will stay but it’s his decision, he knows we want him. But it was the same with Leroy Sane and he didn’t want to stay.
“Eric knows, his agent knows and his family know we want him here.”
SunSport exclusively revealed Garcia is set to TREBLE his wages if he stays.
Pep Guardiola is eager to hang onto centre-back Eric GarciaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
It is believed the centre-back will reject Barcelona’s advances to put pen to paper on five-year deal.
His wages will be hiked up to £40,000 a week – a significant increase on the £12,000-a-week salary he currently collects.
Garcia has two years left on his contract and after making 12 first-team appearances this season is set to stick with Guardiola’s side.
Pep Guardiola gives update on Eric García injury after Man City defender is stretchered off versus Arsenal
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
