Manchester City have failed in a bid to sign highly-rated teenager Jean Clair Todibo from Toulouse, with the Frenchman close to sealing a move to Barcelona.
Todibo, 19, is considered one of the best young central defenders in European football, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season he was coveted by many of the continent's top sides.
Juventus earlier this week made a concerted push to sign the talented defender, while PSG and Man City have pursued him for some time.
It is Barcelona, though, who appear to have won the race for the teenager after agreeing outline terms on a Bosman move this summer.
The work of Barca sporting director Eric Abidal was crucial in swaying the France Under-20 international, a source told The Independent.
City are unlikely to do major business in the January window but could make around £20m from the sale of Brahim Diaz. The Spanish youngster was tipped as one of the City academy's brightest young stars after signing from Malaga at 16 years old.
A lack of first-team action and the perception of little chance of progression saw Brahim, now 19, reject the opportunity to sign a new deal in Manchester. Real Madrid had won the race to sign the player on a Bosman at the end of the season but are willing to pay a not insignificant fee in order to make that deal happen this month, with Santiago Solari ready to throw Brahim into the first-team picture at the Bernabeu.
