Barcelona close in on Cancelo as Al Hilal talks reach advanced stage | OneFootball

Barcelona are closing in on Joao Cancelo, with talks with Al Hilal over the Portugal international at a very advanced stage.

Sport reports that Barcelona and Cancelo agreed personal terms at the end of last season. Tax considerations have slowed the move despite head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco making it a priority.

Cancelo is training alone with Al Hilal's permission and is not in their plans for the new campaign. The Saudi club had listed him for sale, then underlined that stance by signing Saudi international Mohammed Al-Mahzari for close to eight million euros.

Al Hilal want to recoup part of what they paid Manchester City, so a fee of around 10 million euros is expected. Barcelona view that as strong value on sporting and financial grounds.

During a six-month loan at Camp Nou, Cancelo excelled, nailing down left-back and producing a run of impressive displays. Flick has also praised his versatility and attacking threat, making him one of Barcelona's most creative players for goal creation in the second half of last season.

Source: Goal.com