Barcelona being ‘kept up to date’ with Man City favourite ‘ready to leave’ amid Guardiola feud

Jason Soutar
Reported Barcelona target Joao Cancelo during a warm-up

Portugal defender Joao Cancelo is ‘ready to leave’ Manchester City with Barcelona keen, according to reports in Spain.

It was reported earlier this week that Cancelo is one of five City players ‘unhappy’ with manager Pep Guardiola.

The 28-year-old has been one of the Citizens’ most consistent players in recent years but has been off form since returning to his club after the World Cup.

This could perhaps be down to a bit of a feud with Guardiola, or it is all very coincidental.

Cancelo has been an unused substitute in three of City’s six Premier League matches since the season resumed, only playing the full 90 minutes on one occasion.

With game time declining, as well as his form, and a possible sour relationship with Guardiola, there are plenty of rumours surrounding the former Juventus defender’s future at the Etihad.

Obviously, Barcelona are keeping an eye on his situation.

According to Sport, ‘several clubs’ are interested in signing Cancelo in the summer transfer window, with Barcelona ‘joining’ the others in the race.

Cancelo’s agent Jorge Mendes is ‘keeping Barcelona up to date’ as the player now ‘wants to leave’ City.

Another team mentioned in the story is AC Milan, but they might not have the ‘financial muscle needed’.

Surely Barcelona do not either, with City apparently asking for €70million.

The report says that the Blaugrana came close to signing Cancelo during his time at Valencia.

Other right-backs being lined up are Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard and Borussia Dortmund’s Thomas Meunier.

Another right-back to be linked with a move to the Nou Camp is Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

Barcelona tried to sign Azpilicueta last year before the Blues triggered a two-year contract extension.

Barca are still ‘on the lookout’ for the experienced Spaniard, Sport also claim.

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