Joao Cancelo attracting widespread transfer interest from across Europe amid ongoing Man City situation | OneFootball

Manchester City’s versatile full-back Joao Cancelo is attracting interest from numerous clubs from across Europe, amid his recent struggles at the Etihad Stadium, according to a new report.

The Portugal international has found himself struggling for a place in Pep Guardiola’s starting eleven since returning from the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, with his place often being handed to 18 year-old Rico Lewis – who has excelled when handed opportunities.

However, when called upon, Joao Cancelo has somewhat failed to hit anywhere near the exceptionally high standards that he has set himself in the months that followed his first campaign in Sky Blue.

The former Juventus and Inter Milan defender was found wanting on numerous occassions in Manchester City’s recent Carabao Cup exit to Southampton, via a hugely disappointing first-half performance that lead to two quick-fire goals from the Premier League’s bottom clubs.

These struggles haven’t gone unnoticed from across Europe, according to a new report, with several clubs attentive to Cancelo’s high standards and his capabilities when in a rich vein of form.

That is according to the information of the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, who reports that Joao Cancelo’s spell on Manchester City’s substitutes bench has lead to interest from European clubs, who will monitor whether the Portugal international will be available this summer.

Just one year ago, Cancelo saw his Etihad Stadium contract extended through to the summer of 2027, but that has not dismissed potential suitors, with Champions League clubs in Spain, France, Germany and Italy all reportedly monitoring his situation.

Unsurprisingly given his ability to play in a variety of positions in a complex Pep Guardiola system, it is stated that the 28 year-old would be expected to ‘attract bids from Europe’s biggest clubs’, if he is granted a move by Manchester City.

At present, Cancelo is understood to be fully-focused on the games that loom in the immediate future for Manchester City, while there is also no feeling from the player that he should be searching for a move away from the club in the coming months.

City will be looking to bounce back from their midweek disappointment this weekend. But with a tough task against city rivals Manchester United next on the agenda, Pep Guardiola’s side will need to be at their very best to get the result they so badly require to lift spirits.