Joao Cancelo transfer twist with Man City braced for bid as interest emerges

Manchester City are yet to receive a bid for Joao Cancelo but Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are exploring the possibility of signing the full-back on a permanent deal.

Cancelo hasn't played for City since January 2023 and after a six-month loan spell at Bayern Munich he spent the entirety of last season on loan at Barcelona. It had been expected that he would have no future at the Etihad after a falling out with Pep Guardiola but the moves to Germany and Spain didn't result in permanent offers and the Portugal international has spent the summer back with his parent club.

But his exit is moving closer with Al Hilal now focusing on the 30-year-old as their primary right-back target, having also considered a move for City captain Kyle Walker. It is understood a formal offer to City hasn't yet been forthcoming but one is likely if terms with the player can be agreed.

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Cancelo didn't make the matchday squad for the trip to Chelsea at the weekend but speaking last week Guardiola had tried to leave the door ajar for the Portugal international to play for the club again.

“About what’s going to happen, it depends on his agents and the club,” Guardiola said. “In the end, if he has to stay we will treat him like all the other players, with respect, and try to take the best from the huge qualities he has.”