Barcelona have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Ferran Torres after Manchester City lowered their demands for the attacker.
The Spanish giants have allegedly reached an agreement in principle to sign Torres, but are still in talks with Man City over a transfer fee for the 21-year-old.
Barcelona's current financial plight means that they are unable to splash big money on transfer fees or wages in January without first offloading players from their current squad.
Recent reports suggest that new boss Xavi has identified certain players who could be sold to make room for new additions, with Torres thought to be high on their list of potential incomings.
Sport claims that Barcelona's hopes of signing the Spain international have been boosted by the news that Man City are willing to lower their asking price for the striker.
The two clubs were recently reported to still be as much as £13m apart in negotiations, but the prospect of a deal being agreed now appears more likely.
The report claims that Barcelona's exit from the Champions League has caused the Catalans to step up their pursuit, despite the hit to their finances which failure to qualify for the last 16 will incur.
Torres has been limited to a bit-part role for Man City so far this season, making just four Premier League appearances.
Barney Corkhill
