Barcelona want Joao Cancelo loan as Bayern Munich pass on €70m purchase option with Man City

• Portuguese star on loan in Germany
• No longer part of Guardiola's plans
• Liga giants need a new right-back

WHAT HAPPENED? The versatile Portugal international linked up with Bundesliga heavyweights during the January transfer after slipping out of favour at Manchester City. There is a clause within that deal that can trigger a €70 million (£61m/$76m) permanent deal, but Bayern are reluctant to do business at that price.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE: That is leaving the door open for others to make their move, with Sport claiming that Barca are now keen. The Liga giants are eager to land a proven right-back after being forced to field the likes of Ronald Araujo, Sergi Roberto and Jules Kounde out of position in that defensive berth this season.

AND WHAT'S MORE: They are aware that Bayern will not be exploring a deal and that Cancelo no longer forms part of City’s long-term plans, despite having a contract at the Etihad Stadium through to 2027. They believe that a loan can be agreed for the 28-year-old, who registered nine goals and 22 assists through a spell in Manchester that included two Premier League title triumphs.

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WHAT NEXT? Concerns are said to have been raised regarding Cancelo’s character, as he has also been unable to nail down a regular starting berth at Bayern, but Barce are willing to take a calculated gamble on him slotting seamlessly into their squad.