Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo has reportedly agreed personal terms with Barcelona ahead of a summer move to the La Liga champions from England.
The 29-year-old endured a difficult term at the Etihad Stadium in 2022-23, featuring in 17 Premier League matches before being loaned out to Thomas Tuchel's Bayern Munich in the January transfer window.
Whilst Pep Guardiola's Citizens achieved a historic treble, Cancelo helped the Bavarians to their 11th straight Bundesliga crown, with a victory on the final day of the season snatching the league title off Borussia Dortmund.
The Portugal international played in 15 league matches in the second half of the campaign for Bayern, recording one goal and providing four assists, although it seems that the right-back could be heading elsewhere this summer.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Cancelo has agreed personal terms with Barcelona ahead of a potential switch to Spain in the current transfer window.
© Reuters
It is understood that Manchester City and Barcelona are yet to agree on a financial package for the defender, however talks over a deal are ongoing between the champions of England and Spain respectively.
The report adds that Barca boss Xavi has wanted to bring the former Juventus man to the club since January, making him a priority signing as the Catalan giants look to fend off the challenge of Real Madrid for the La Liga crown.
With Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde operating at right-back in recent times, it is believed that Barca are very keen on recruiting a natural option on the right side of their defence.
USA international Sergino Dest has returned from his loan spell at AC Milan, however it is said that the 22-year-old is not part of Xavi's plans going forward, meaning that his contract could be terminated.
It was reported earlier this week that Barca were planning to use the money pocketed from the impending sale of Ousmane Dembele to Paris Saint-Germain to fund the arrival of Cancelo from the Premier League champions.
© Reuters
Les Parisiens have supposedly activated the release clause in Dembele's contract, with the move for the Frenchman back to his homeland expected to be confirmed within the next few days.
It is believed that Cancelo is Barcelona's first choice in terms of an incoming at right-back, however the Spanish giants will move to recruit Ivan Fresneda if an agreement with Man City cannot be reached.
Youngster Fresneda enjoyed a breakout season with Real Valladolid in La Liga last term, appearing in 22 matches as Paulo Pezzolano's men missed out on survival by a single point.
Despite transfer speculation, Cancelo has featured for Guardiola's side in pre-season, receiving game time in matches against Yokohama F Marinos, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.
Carter White
