TOTTENHAM are in talks to sign Joao Cancelo from Manchester City, according to reports.
The Portuguese full-back, 25, only joined Pep Guardiola’s side from Juventus in the summer.
Tottenham are interested in full-back Joao Cancelo just six months after he joined Manchester CityCredit: AP:Associated Press
But six months later, he is already being linked with a move away as Jose Mourinho looks to lure his countryman to North London.
According to El Desmarque, Mourinho has personally spoken to Cancelo in an attempt to convince the right-back to join.
It is thought Cancelo is keen to get more minutes under his belt and would be open to the move.
Despite signing a six-year contract as part of a £60million move at the beginning of the season – with Danilo going the other way – he has been second choice for Guardiola behind Kyle Walker.
The Portuguese international has played 18 times for City this season in all competitions, starting 13 and playing at both right-back and left-back.
And Spurs could provide him a new opportunity.
They have already signed Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes on an initial 18-month loan.
But Mourinho has plenty of problems at full-back with Serge Aurier struggling for form and linked with a move away, Danny Rose insistent on leaving when his contract expires and Ben Davies out injured since November.
Juan Foyth and Jan Vertonghen have both filled in at full-back while Kyle Walker-Peters has not featured in the Premier League since starting the first three games of the season.
However, the emergence of youngster Japhet Tanganga has been a welcome boost at White Hart Lane.
Spurs, though, could face competition from Barcelona for the £50m-rated defender.
New boss Quique Setien has Nelson Semedo as his first-choice right-back while Sergi Roberto is another option – but adding Cancelo to the squad would provide even more quality.
And Cancelo knows LaLiga well – he spent three seasons with Valencia before joining Inter Milan and then Juventus in Serie A.
But whether Guardiola allowing a versatile, full-back nearing his prime to leave seems unlikely, especially considering the troubles he has had with injuries in his defence this season.
Jose Mourinho has reportedly already spoken to his compatriot Cancelo, who is thought to be open to the moveCredit: Getty – Contributor
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
