Man City star could return to former club

With the Euros now over, attention in England turns to the upcoming Premier League season. 

Reigning champions Manchester City will begin their campaign with a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, with Pep Guardiola’s side looking to win a record fifth consecutive top flight title.

City are yet to sign any players during the current transfer window, but it appears that one member of their current squad could be nearing an exit from The Etihad.

According to Spanish outlet SPORT via 90min, Spanish giants Barcelona are in talks to sign full-back Joao Cancelo.

The Portuguese spent last season on loan at the Spanish club, having spent time with German side Bayern Munich the previous season after a fallout with City boss Guardiola.

It is claimed that City have had to compromise in regard to their demands for Cancelo, who has already rejected moves to clubs including Juventus and is intent on returning to Catalunya.

Cancelo spent last season on loan at Barcelona and could return to the club this summer

City were initially demanding a permanent sale this summer, but have now moved to asking for an initial loan with an obligation-to-buy clause included in the deal.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are reluctant to agree to such terms and are instead trying to agree a loan move with an option-to-buy included.

Cancelo, 30, joined City from Juventus back in 2019 and has played more than 150 times for the Citizens, winning three Premier League titles.

The left-back was ousted from the City squad midway through the 2022/23 campaign after a fallout with Guardiola, and spent the following six months on loan at Bayern.

He then joined Barcelona last summer on a season-long loan deal, and played 42 times for the La Liga giants across all competitions last term.