Man City outcast Joao Cancelo closes in on huge loan-to-buy transfer as Guardiola battles Brighton for replacement
BARCELONA want Joao Cancelo to rekindle his career at the Nou Camp.
The LaLiga giants hope to agree a season-long loan for the Manchester City star ahead of a permanent £45million move to Spain next summer.
They are also willing to pay 90 per cent of his wages — around £170,000 a week — this term.
Cancelo, 29, spent the second half of last term at Bayern Munich after a fall out with Pep Guardiola.
The Germans could not afford City’s £60m asking price so he returned to the Etihad where Guardiola has been impressed with his attitude and willingness to knuckle down.
But the versatile Portuguese international is still facing only a bit-part role with Rico Lewis now ahead of him in Pep’s pecking order after signing a new five-year deal.
City are also chasing Boca Juniors left-back Valentin Barco and willing to pay a hefty premium to beat Brighton to the Argentine teenager.
Barco, 19, has a £10m release clause and Etihad bosses are happy to pay it as well as letting him stay at Boca until January.
Manchester City were in action against Newcastle tonight.
Guardiola’s men beat the Toon 1-0 courtesy of Julian Alvarez’s goal.
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Cancelo was not involved in the matchday squad.
The full-back went on City’s pre-season tour of Asia, but has not featured in the league.
He has made 154 appearances in total for Guardiola’s men, scoring nine goals and laying on 22 assists.
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