Tottenham and Chelsea have been told their efforts to land a Barcelona star are expected to end in failure after a huge development.

It has been widely reported that Tottenham are working on signing a top-class defender in January, due to the questionable fitness records of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

Several Premier League centre-halves have been mooted as targets for Spurs, but some sources alleged that the Lilywhites also had an eye on a relatively experienced La Liga star.

It was first reported in the summer that Tottenham were eyeing a move for Barcelona’s Eric Garcia, and the North London side’s interest in the 24-year-old did not go away.

Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Earlier this month, it was reported that Spurs and Chelsea were set to battle it out for Garcia’s signature in January.

However, journalist Graeme Bailey has now explained that the Spanish defender is about to put pen to paper on a new deal at Camp Nou after winning over Hansi Flick.

Bailey told TBR Football: “At one point in the summer with Garcia’s contract expiring, there was real interest with Chelsea and Spurs both keen.

“He is a class act and has Premier League experience; he ticks a lot...