Barcelona chiefs have dropped their interest in Chelsea defender Toni Rudiger.

Barca want to find a replacement for knee injury victim Gerard Pique and have prioritised a deal for Manchester City defender Eric Garcia.

However, with City proving stubborn negotiators, Barca were considering alternatives - with Rudiger topping their shortlist, says Mundo Deportivo.

But given their thin finances, the Catalans are being forced to pull back from their plans - despite the claims of coach Ronald Koeman.

Barca's interim board insist they will only make new additions in January if they can sell first.