Bayern Munich are closing in on the shock signing of Joao Cancelo from Manchester City.
Cancelo has been one of the standout players under Pep Guardiola in the last two seasons as the Blues have won back-to-back Premier League titles. But with his game time dramatically reducing since the World Cup, Bayern have struck to find an agreement that suits all parties.
The Portugal international is set to join the Bundesliga champions on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy coming into play in summer for around £61.6m (€70m). Cancelo wants to play more regularly than he currently is, and does not see that situation changing at the Etihad.
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For their part, City are not expected to sign a replacement for Cancelo in the January window. With the performance of Nathan Ake at left-back, the strength at centre-back, and the emergence of rookie right-back Rico Lewis, the feeling within the club is that there is enough cover to do without Cancelo without needing an extra body.
Despite being frozen out since the World Cup, Cancelo remains the City defender to have played the most minutes so far this season - more than 100 more than any teammate. Having been one of the most reliable players at the club, his exit has been swift and dramatic.
City's only January business so far is the £8m signing of young Argentine midfielder Maximo Perrone, who will train with the first team squad for the rest of the season but may not necessarily feature in games.
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