Guardiola 'poaches' Barcelona youngster

'We had good sources, but I have not been lucky enough to watch him play. I have heard good things about him and the chance to sign him arose. He wanted to take this step and the club has done so', he told Spanish TV channel TV3.

Guardiola, who is currently in his native country taking part in a football campus, made the signing of Eric Garcia official, for whom Barca will receive 1.7 million euros.

Eric Garcia is one of the most promising Spanish youngsters, a regular in the Spanish underage national team and a product of Barcelona's academy since joining at the age of seven. Represented by Carles Puyol, his attitude angered the Catalan club.

Another of Barca's young talents leaves early, after Jordi Mboula left for Monaco a few days ago. This time, it is Barcelona's own Pep Guardiola who has raided the club's academy of 'La Masia'.