City swoop for Benfica´s Garcia

Manchester City have signed midfielder Javi Garcia from Benfica and Fiorentina defender Matija Nastasic on a busy transfer deadline day.

City will reportedly pay Benfica as much as 18 million pounds for Spaniard Garica, with an initial fee of 15.5 million pounds plus an additional 2.5 million in potential add-ons.

The swoop for Garcia makes it a successful transfer deadline day for Roberto Mancini’s reigning Premier League champions, who also reinforced their defence with Serbian defender Nastasic.

City completed moves late in the transfer window for winger Scott Sinclair, Brazil fullback Maicon and goalkeeper Richard Wright.

Garcia though is the pick of the new arrivals.

The 25-year-old came through the youth ranks at Real Madrid, with whom he has had two spells, and has also played for Osasuna in La Liga.

The signing has come too late for Garcia to be considered for selection in Saturday’s game at home to Queens Park Rangers, but he will be eligible for the match away to Stoke City after the international break.

The champions are yet to release details on the contract length for their new signing, after having to wait until just before the transfer window slammed shut for the paperwork to go through on his switch.

City also offloaded unwanted striker Roque Santa Cruz, who joined Malaga on a season-long loan.