Manchester City are reported to be close to agreeing a cash plus player deal to bring Portuguese full back Joao Cancelo to The Etihad, which will strengthen their defence while simultaneously hacking off Jurgen Klopp even further.
City have courted the Juventus defender throughout the summer, but any deal has hinged on Brazilian defender Danilo leaving the club. But it now appears a breakthrough has been made, with the blues offering a reported £28m plus the Brazilian in exchange for the highly rated right back.
Cancelo has only been with the Serie A side for one season since joining them from Valencia, but is rumoured to be ‘highly in favour’ of a move to Manchester, and could sign in time to make his debut at West Ham on Saturday.
If he does indeed sign for the blues, it would represent another fantasy land signing, as described by Liverpool manager Klopp, who doesn’t understand how City are managing to make so many high profile signings (maybe it’s the six trophies City have won in two seasons, and the prize money that comes with it, Jurgen).
In other transfer news, City are rumoured to be ready to make last minute moves for Real Madrid playmaker Isco and Bournemouth’s Dutch defender Nathan Ake. Isco was touted to sign for the blues in 2014, when Manuel Pellegrini arrived in Manchester, but manager Pep Guardiola is said to be a huge fan of the Spanish international.
Ake’s name has also been linked to City throughout the summer, following the departure of captain Vincent Kompany to Anderlecht. With the blues refusing to be held to ransom over Harry Maguire, they may well turn to the Dutch centre back, however it was rumoured today that Leicester have also enquired about Ake’s services and have apparently been quoted a price tag of £75m. Whilst City could no doubt afford it, it is highly unlikely the blues will pay that much, considering their refusal to move on Maguire.
What do you think? Should City go after Ake and Isco? Would Cancelo offer competition to Kyle Walker, or would it be the other way around? Let us know your thoughts.