Manchester City ready to let flop defender leave next summer

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are ready to cut their losses and let flop Joao Cancelo leave in the summer. 

The 25-year-old has had a disastrous first season at the Etihad, getting just 600 minutes of Premier League action so far. 

The Portuguese international joined from Juventus for £27m plus Danilo as a £34m makeweight. He, however, has struggled to justify his whooping price-tag. 

And Pep Guardiola's side have seemingly accepted that the full back has no future at the club. 

The Citizens are also willing to listen to offers for the 25-year-old as long as he looks for a transfer away in search of regular action. 

It is understood his former club Inter Milan and Bayern Munich have already shown interest in the adventurous full-back but a host of other clubs are also interested. 

Cancelo has struggled to settle into Manchester, with Kyle Walker getting the starting spot ahead of him on most occasions at right-back. 

An Etihad source said: “There has already been a lot of murmuring he can leave if he wants. It hasn't quite worked out so far. 

“He has a young family and the interest from clubs on the continent already has him considering his long-term future. 

“He was initially playing catch up on his fitness but his scratchy performances have left the jury out and it's not looking good.” 

It is understood Inter Milan are very much keen on the Portuguese, but would struggle to stump up the £50m valuation that the Citizens have slapped on his head. 

Guardiola's interest in highly-rated Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez might act as a catalyst to any deal. 

The reigning Premier League champions have identified the young Argentine forward to succeed his compatriot Sergio Aguero in the long run. Martinez is also wanted by a host of other clubs including Guardiola's former employers Barcelona. 

The 22-year-old Argentinian would cost around £110m in total. However, the Nerazzurri are reluctant to sell one of their prized assets.  

The Italian giants might eventually have to sell him with the attention he is already getting and getting a player like Cancelo in return could prove to be a smart move by them.

Featured Image Credits - ESPN