Torres up Ferr Nou challenge as Barca seal deal for City star

Ferran Torres will be unveiled as a Barcelona player on Monday after sealing his exit from Manchester City. 

Ahead of what is expected to be a busy January transfer window, the Spanish international has completed a permanent switch to the Camp Nou. 

Torres, 21, passed a medical yesterday after the clubs agreed an initial fee of £46million. 

Cash-strapped Barcelona were limited in their business during the summer but managed to fund the deal thanks to a bank loan. 

City's director of football Txiki Begiristain said: "Ferran should be proud of what he has achieved here at Manchester City.

"Last season was his first time in a new country but he adapted well. He always gave 100%, worked hard for the team and scored goals that helped us win trophies. 

"Injury unfortunately prevented him from playing more games this season. 

"But Ferran is a player we have all enjoyed working with and we wish him all the best at Barcelona and for the rest of his career."

A statement on Barca's official website added: "On Monday, January 3, the player's presentation as a new member of the Barcelona first-team squad will take place in an event preceding the open training session at Camp Nou. 

"Following the training session, Torres will appear before the media."

City are expected to be in the hunt for a No9 during the January sales after failing to prise Harry Kane from Tottenham in the summer. 

Torres only moved to the Etihad from Valencia at the start of last season but jumped at the chance to join Xavi's Barcelona revolution.

He won the Premier League and Carabao Cup with City and leaves having scored 16 goals in 43 appearances.