Joan Garcia makes Manchester City transfer decision amid Newcastle and Barcelona interest | OneFootball

Manchester City have been issued a firm decision by Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia over his future this summer, according to new reports from Spain.

It comes as Etihad Stadium officials prepare for a summer of significant change in numerous positions within Pep Guardiola’s squad, including the goalkeeper ranks amid uncertainty over two players.

Ederson is expected to be open to the idea of a change of scenery in the coming weeks with a belief that Saudi Arabia still interests the Brazilian after clubs in the Middle-East held back from meeting City’s £50 million valuation last summer.

As for Stefan Ortega Moreno, the Germany international has long held an ambition to become a number one choice between the posts, whether that be at Manchester City or elsewhere at the top of the European game.

As such, the likes of Hugo Viana and Txiki Begiristain – City’s incoming and current sporting director respectively – are assessing the market for options, with talks having been held with Espanyol’s highly-rated stopper Joan Garcia in recent weeks.

Reports from Spain earlier this week suggested that City had reached an ‘agreement in principle’ with the 24-year-old, while also continuing dialogue with FC Porto’s Diogo Costa in the event of a failure to sign the former.

And now, it appears as though the Portugal international has emerged as the frontrunner to join the operation at the Etihad Stadium after the buying club received negative news from the side of Garcia – who has been assessing his options.

That is according to the information of journalist Xavi Espinosa, who claims that City have opted to make Porto’s Diogo Costa their number one target for the goalkeeper position after Espanyol’s Garcia narrowed his options down to Newcastle United or Barcelona.

Negotiations for Costa would likely be expected to come and go without issue, with the two clubs holding an amicable relationship from their negotiation for Nico Gonzalez at the end of the last January transfer window.

As for the player, Manchester City’s Hugo Viana is believed to hold a strong and friendly working relationship with the player’s agent, and representative of numerous notable stars throughout football, Jorge Mendes.

For now, it remains to be seen with the Premier League club will be waiting to see what happens with regards to Ederson and Stefan Ortega Moreno in the market, before potentially finalising an agreement for Diogo Costa or any new goalkeeper into the first-team squad.