Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has confirmed his hopes of signing Lionel Messi this summer while claiming that Pep Guardiola vetoed the club’s plan to land Joao Cancelo from Manchester City.
Cancelo joined Bayern Munich on a loan deal in January for the remainder of the campaign but he will now return to the Etihad this summer. The Portuguese international is expected to be put up for sale by the Premier League champions with Barca among the clubs interested.
The 29-year-old defender left City after an alleged falling out with boss Guardiola over a lack of game-time. His fall from prominence in Manchester came as somewhat of a surprise after playing a pivotal role in their success over several seasons.
