SHARE

On August 2nd, Mundo Deportivo stated Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández has identified Manchester City’s João Cancelo as his favourite target for the right-back position.

Two days later, Sport reported the first contact between the two clubs over a deal for the 29-year-old wasn’t positive.

Saturday’s Sport explains why the La Liga side are hopeful of signing the Manchester City player.

The defender’s name is back on the table at the Camp Nou after Jorge Mendes reopened this case. It’s even said the super-agent has ‘promised’ to take his client out of the Etihad on a paid loan deal that’s affordable for the Catalan club.

The report adds the ‘negotiations have reopened’ and there’s belief at Barca that ‘white smoke’ can be achieved. Cancelo has agreed to lower his wages and Sport explain this is the ‘first step’ for the transfer.

Despite Xavi identifying the Portugal international as a key target, Barca haven’t been able to sort out a deal yet because of the economic differences.

Manchester City are asking for a high loan fee.

It’s stated the deal now relies upon Mendes convincing Pep Guardiola’s side to cooperate for his client’s transfer.

Barca won’t have it easy but will wait for a few days after Mendes promised to bring his client to the Camp Nou in the ‘coming days’.

Guardiola has left Cancelo out of the squad for the clashes against Arsenal and Burnley this season.

This would be an indication the player, who spent the second half of the last season on loan at Bayern Munich, has no future at the Etihad.