Reports claim Barcelona are becoming increasingly confident of securing a loan deal for Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo in the coming days.
The 29-year-old now seems surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium. He was loaned to Bayern Munich for the second half of last season after a reported rift with Citizens chief Pep Guardiola. And, despite returning to the north-west giants after his Bundesliga spell ended, there seems no future for the Portugal international at the club.
It is all a far cry from just a few seasons ago when Cancelo made 28 top-flight appearances for City in 2020-2021. And he was given the nod on 36 occasions the following campaign.
However, a change of formation last season saw him on the periphery of the team and prompted a move to Bayern.
The Germans had the option to buy but opted to decline despite the full-back enjoying 15 top-flight outings.
Arsenal then emerged as suitors for the former Valencia man. However, it is Barca’s name that now leaps off the page when Cancelo’s future is mentioned.
It was reported earlier this month that the Catalans have already agreed personal terms with the star.
And it seems he has consented to a cut in wages in order to facilitate the switch of clubs.
The Spanish giants are reportedly keen on a loan move for Cancelo while they also want to include Bernardo Silva in the deal.
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It remains to be seen if Etihad bosses are happy to play ball on that proposal.
But there does seem to be positive noises coming from Barca over luring Cancelo to the club.
Barca expect Cancelo capture
Cancelo has not been included in City’s matchday squads for their two games this season.
It now seems highly likely that he will be leaving the club. A report from Mundo Deportivo suggests Barcelona and City held talks on Saturday.
And it has emerged that the two European heavyweights are close to an agreement on the transfer.
Barca boss Xavi has made the ex-Juventus star his top defensive priority. And the report adds that a deal should be completed in the next couple of days.
The LaLiga champions are said to have received positive messages from the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes.
They are hoping to seal a season-long loan with an option to buy.
Cancelo’s salary may be one stumbling block. Reports he has taken a pay cut are positive but not yet confirmed.
The other option is for Manchester City to pay a portion of his wages while he is on loan. It is open to debate as to whether his parent club would agree to that scenario.
But it seems as though most things point to the man with 44 Portugal caps plying his trade at the Nou Camp in 2023-24.
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