Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo handed Premier League 'lifeline' amid Saudi Pro League interest - Paper Round

Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo could be "handed a Premier League lifeline", claims a report.

Cancelo is currently on loan at Barcelona where he has starred at full back - but the Spanish giants may not be in a position to offer the 29-year-old a permanent deal this summer.

The Sun writes: "Joao Cancelo is set to be handed a Premier League lifeline, according to reports in Spain.

"The Manchester City full-back, 29, is currently on loan at Barcelona having fallen out with City boss Pep Guardiola last year.

"He spent the final six months of last season on loan at Bayern Munich, but they opted not to pay the £61.5million option to make the deal permanent.

"And it looks as though his deal with Barcelona will meet a similar end according to Spanish outlet Sport.

"Barcelona could make the deal permanent for £34m but will again be limited by their financial issues this summer.

"Sport report that signing a right-back is not a priority for the Catalan club, and they would rather use their resources this summer to sign a left-footed right winger.

"That's despite Cancelo being keen to stay at the Catalan club.

"The report states that Cancelo could earn a move to Barca by kicking up a fuss when he arrives back at City and therefore causing them to lower their asking price.

"But that is believed to be unlikely, with City keen to recoup as much of the £60m they paid for him in 2019 as possible.

"If that move does not come to fruition, it is reported that Cancelo will not be short of offers from both the Premier League and Saudi league.

"Cancelo's agent, Jorge Mendes, will seek to broker another loan with an option to buy between City and Barcelona."

Chelsea are favourites to sign Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande but reportedly face competition from Arsenal and Newcastle.

The Sun claims the Ivory Coast international would cost in the region of £50 million, and the 20-year-old seems to have plenty of options when deciding his next move.

The outlet states: "Chelsea are leading the race to sign Ousmane Diomande, according to reports.

"His strong performances for Sporting have already attracted plenty of Premier League interest.

"According to Portuguese paper Record, Chelsea are very keen on Diomande.

"They claim that the Blues have already made contact with his representatives ahead of potentially getting a deal done.

"Chelsea would reportedly be willing to pay around £51million up-front for the Ivory Coast international.

"Sporting are claimed to want a further £17m in add-ons, which Record claim Chelsea would be willing to pay.

"Newcastle and Arsenal are also interested in Diomande.

"And should Chelsea's potential FFP concerns lead to them having to tighten the purse strings this summer, Diomande could move to the Toon or Gunners."

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is on the "shortlist" of Bayern Munich, claims a report in the Mirror.

De Zerbi, whose side lost 4-0 to Roma in the first leg of the last 16 UEFA Europa League clash on Thursday, has received plaudits for the job he has carried out with the Seagulls so far since his appointment in September 2022.

"Bayern Munich have added Roberto De Zerbi to their shortlist for their next manager," reports the Mirror.

"At the top of their list is Xabi Alonso, who has led Leverkusen during their astonishing unbeaten season. But the Spaniard is also being chased hard by Liverpool, who themselves are looking to replace Jurgen Klopp.

"That means Bayern are being forced to explore alternative options, in case they are unable to land Alonso. According to Sky Germany, the German side could pursue a move for Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.

"Bayern's new board member for sport Max Eberl is said to hold a 'very high opinion' of the Italian, who has impressed with the Seagulls since taking over last year. He has followed up a sixth-place finish last season with a current seventh-place effort this term.

"De Zerbi is already seen as being one of the most sought-after coaches in the upcoming summer. He has a relatively cheap release clause of less than £10million, which is also attractive to prospective teams.

"While De Zerbi is a leading contender, it is Alonso who Bayern are desperate to bring in. The Leverkusen boss is the 'absolute preferred candidate', though De Zerbi is also in the running to take over at Barcelona so Bayern may have to act quickly to secure his services if Alonso turns them down."

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