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MARTIN SAMUEL: Barcelona cannot afford Man City kid Eric Garcia let alone Lionel Messi with their debt at £1bn. The whole swirl of uncertainty surrounding the Argentine's future makes sense now... it's not just about him, it is about them

Eric Garcia has said he would play for Barcelona for nothing. Given the latest news about their finances, he may have to.

Manchester City's asking price for their 20-year-old centre half is in the region of £2.65million, or what they pay Lionel Messi for around 10 days work.

Either way, it is nothing for a promising young player who has already won the European Championship at Under 17 and Under 19 level, and has been capped four times by Spain.

Lionel Messi's future is far from certain with Barcelona in a state of financial crisis

Barcelona, however, cannot afford it.