Man City outcast Joao Cancelo ‘rejects lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia’ as he holds out for move to European giants

MANCHESTER CITY outcast Joao Cancelo has snubbed interest from Saudi Arabia in favour of joining Barcelona, according to reports.

The Portuguese star is set to leave the Etihad for a new challenge this summer.

GettyJoao Cancelo appears set to leave Manchester City[/caption]

Cancelo, 29, was involved in City’s pre-season tour of Asia, but has not yet made a matchday squad in the Premier League.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the full-back has found himself tempted by a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League.

But they add that he has his heart set on joining up with Xavi and Co at Barcelona.

The Catalan side pushed hard to sign Cancelo in January.

And their long-term interest and persistence has gone a long way in convincing Cancelo that it is the right move to make.

It’s claimed that a deal could be completed by this weekend.

The structure of the transfer is likely to be a loan with a future £25million option to buy, depending on how he performs at Barca.

Cancelo remains under contract at City until 2027.

The former Inter Milan star joined Bayern Munich on loan in January after falling out of favour with Pep Guardiola, making 21 appearances for the Bundesliga side.

Asked about Cancelo last month, Guardiola said: “He is here. Joao has been so important for us in the past.

“He is back here and is part of the group. We will see what happens.”

Cancelo is likely to become Barcelona’s fifth signing of the transfer window.

He will follow former City team-mate Ilkay Gundogan, as well as Inigo Martinez, Oriol Romeu and Vitor Roque.

SunSport reported earlier this month that City are keen on signing Boca Juniors left-back Valentin Barco to replace Cancelo.

Cancelo could join former City team-mate Ilkay Gundogan at BarcelonaRex