Manchester City are one of several clubs to have expressed an interest in Brighton and Hove Albion star Karou Mitoma, according to reports.
Mitoma has been one of the breakout stars of this season in the Premier League, the Japan international coming from relative wilderness to replace Leandro Trossard on the right-wing. The 25-year-old has registered six goals and three assists from 20 league appearances this season, helping the Seagulls fight for a European place.
Such form has inevitably attracted the interest of Europe's top clubs, with TEAMtalk reporting that City are alongside the likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. However the report adds that any circling sides are set to be kept at bay, with the winger set to be offered a new deal with a major pay rise.
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Mitoma's current deal runs out in 2025, and Brighton have become well known in recent years for their no nonsense approach to fending off interest. The south coast side reportedly turned down a £100million from Arsenal for Moises Caicedo in January and will no doubt demand a huge fee for their Japanese star.
Elsewhere, Spanish outlet SPORT reports that Barcelona are eyeing a loan deal for Joao Cancelo in the summer. Cancelo surprisingly fell out of favour at City since returning from World Cup action, joining Bayern Munich on loan for the rest of the season at the end of January. The German side have an option to make that move permanent but are not expected to activate it.
It leaves the Portuguese full-back likely looking for a new club come the summer, and Barcelona are one of several clubs eyeing a move, although their financial constraints make a permanent deal near impossible. As such, Barca are reportedly exploring the possibility of a loan deal, with the Spanish report suggesting that could cost up to €20million in a fee plus wages.
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