Eric Garcia has told Manchester City he will not sign a new contract – paving the way to a potential move to Barcelona.
The teenaged centre back has rejected all attempts by City to convince him to commit his long-term future to the Etihad.
Barca are believed to be leading the race to sign him and will be buoyed by the news he is determined to leave City.
But it is a major blow to Pep Guardiola, who has promoted Garcia above John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho this season.
The City manager said: “He announced to us that he doesn’t want to extend his contract with Manchester City.
“He has one more year and after that, he doesn’t want to extend. We want it, but he doesn’t want to extend it so I imagine he wants to play in other places.”
The question now is whether City will be prepared to let him leave on a free or try to cash in on one of the most highly-rated prospects in European football.
They secured lucrative deals for Jadon Sancho, Brahim Diaz and Rabbi Matondo in similar circumstances and would be loath to see such a talent leave for nothing.
He has already completed the signing of Nathan Ake and remains interested in Kalidou Koulibaly and Pau Torres.
Stones and Otamendi face uncertain futures after dropping down the pecking order this season.
