Manchester City defender Eric Garcia is a step closer to joining Barcelona.

Marca says Garcia will be Barcelona's first signing of the 2021/22 season, with the Catalan defender's return to the Camp Nou almost ready to be confirmed.

Despite there being significant economic issues during negotiations, those problems have now been sorted out and both parties have found common ground.

An agreement is very close to being signed, and given the fact it is a Bosman signing, the deal will be likely made official as soon as it is done.

Joan Laporta has walked into an economic disaster at Barcelona, and as such his offer to Garcia was way lower than what had been put on the table to the defender by the previous administration.

However, such was Garcia's desire to return to play for the Blaugrana, he was willing to renegotiate his terms, despite other clubs being interested in his signature.

His salary at Barcelona has been greatly reduced, although it's understood that this will be compensated with an increase in bonus payments should Garcia achieve certain objectives during his time at the Camp Nou.