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5 months ago
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Manchester City are reportedly preparing to take Joao Cancelo on the club's pre-season tour of the United States if Barcelona fail to agree a fee for the defender.
Cancelo has not featured in a competitive match for Man City for 17 months, with the full back having had two loan spells away from the club.
The Portuguese international last featured for the champions in a 2-1 loss against Man United in January 2023.
Cancelo joined Bayern Munich on loan for the remainder of the season amid reports of a falling out with Man City boss Pep Guardiola.
The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Barcelona, making 42 appearances in all competitions.
Man City are reportedly prepared to bring Joao Cancelo on their pre-season tour in the US
Barcelona are keen to sign Cancelo permanently but are reportedly struggling to agree a fee
Barcelona are keen to sign Cancelo on a permanent basis, with the defender reportedly open to reducing his £180,000-a-week wages to complete a move.
According to The Sun, Man City are demanding a £25million fee from Barcelona for Cancelo before sanctioning his departure.
Barcelona have reportedly insisted they cannot meet the current asking price given their well documented financial woes.
Another loan deal with an obligation for Barcelona to sign Cancelo permanently next summer has also been mooted.
Man City are claimed to be open to Cancelo rejoining the squad for their pre-season tour in the United States if a deal cannot be agreed with the Catalan giants.
Cancelo had been included in Man City's squad for their tour last summer, joining Guardiola's squad for matches in Japan and South Korea.
Man City are due to play four pre-season matches in the United States this summer ahead of the new campaign.
Guardiola's side are scheduled to face Celtic and AC Milan next month, before facing Cancelo's suitors Barcelona on July 30.
Cancelo played for Man City during their pre-season tour in Japan and South Korea last summer
The full back played 42 times in all competitions while on loan at Barcelona last season
Man City wrap up their US tour with a match against Chelsea on August 3.
Guardiola confirmed last week that Cancelo would return to the squad if Barcelona fail to agree a deal.
'It has to be the best for everyone,' Guardiola said. 'The two clubs will sit down.
'He is our player and, if an agreement is not reached, he will have to return in the pre-season.
'If he wants to stay here [at Barcelona], and the clubs agree, it will be done again.'
It was widely reported that Cancelo and Guardiola were involved in a heated row before his first loan exit.
However, Cancelo has denied this and he told Mundo Deportivo last year: 'It's a lie that I had a fight with Guardiola, a complete lie.
Cancelo is currently with the Portugal squad at the European Championships in Germany
'I didn't feel important to the team in recent games. I spoke to the coach and he agreed.
'I, the coach and the club decided that I had to leave, that it was the best option for me. I like new opportunities and I have nothing against City.'
Cancelo still has another three years left to run on his City contract he signed back in February 2022.
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