Saudi giants Al-Hilal plot double swoop for Manchester City stars - Reports
Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are reportedly plotting a double raid on Manchester City as they look to reinforce their backline. The Saudi Pro League holders have reportedly identified Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo as targets for the summer.
As per Yahoo Sport, Al-Hilal have prepared a three-man shortlist as they look to replace Saud Abdulhamid who has been linked with an exit. The Saudi Arabia international has reportedly emerged as a target for Ligue 1 side Reims and Serie A side Roma.
The Saudi champions' shortlist reportedly consists of Manchester City duo Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo. Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, a product of the Cityzens' youth system, is another name on their wishlist.
As per Yahoo Sport, Al-Hilal initially wanted Liverpool superstar Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, the 25-year-old made it abundantly clear that he has no interest in moving to Saudi Arabia.
Walker is currently the captain of Manchester City and has been a pivotal figure for the Cityzens since his reported £50 million move from Tottenham in 2017. He has won 17 trophies during his time at the Etihad, having made 301 appearances for the Sky Blues.
Cancelo also established himself as a key player at the Etihad Stadium after joining the club in 2019 from Juventus. However, he spent the last season and a half on loan at Bayern Munich and Barcelona after falling out with Pep Guardiola.
The Portugal international had a mixed season on loan at Barcelona last time out contributing four goals and five assists in 42 games. His future remains up in the air although Guardiola has opened the door for a possible return to the first team.
Barcelona receive a major boost in their pursuit of Manchester City star: Reports
Barcelona have reportedly received a major boost in their hopes of landing Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo. The Portugal international spent the last season on loan at Camp Nou and the Blaugrana are understood to be keen on retaining the versatile full-back.
As reported by Spanish outlet SPORT, the Catalan giants are hopeful of landing Cancelo after he failed to feature in Guardiola's matchday squad against Chelsea. The Cityzens beat the Blues 2-0 at Stamford Bridge as Cancelo was not even named as a substitute.
Cancelo reportedly showed the right attitude in training which suggested that he could still have a future at Manchester City. However, it seems likely that he could push for a move rather than struggling for playing time at the Etihad Stadium.
Barcelona's financial situation means they might struggle to come up with the finances to secure a move for Cancelo.