A report suggests that Manchester City may receive a bid from Barcelona to swap Joao Cancelo for him.

Cancelo has started all bar two of his 21 games while on loan at the Spanish team this season. Joan Laporta, the head of Barcelona, has stated that he intends to talk to City about a permanent deal and will work to keep the defender on staff after his loan period.

According to a Sport rumor, Barcelona may reduce the asking price by offering Alejandro Balde, a left-back. The La Liga winners are still struggling financially and, barring the sale of big-name players, will probably have to settle for deals at reduced prices next season.

Pep Guardiola only has one natural left-back in his squad, although Sergio Gomez has started just three of his eight games this season and is yet to be named in a Premier League starting XI this term.

He has instead preferred to use either summer signing Josko Gvardiol or Nathan Ake – and at times Manuel Akanji – in the position in place of Cancelo, who still holds a rift with Guardiola. Balde, 20, is a regular under Xavi at Barcelona having helped to keep eight clean sheets this campaign.

The Spain international, who has tallied one assist so far, does not see his contract expire until 2028. Cancelo’s City deal runs out in 2027.

Meanwhile, The Chronicle says that City would command a £7.5million loan fee from Newcastle for Kalvin Phillips. The midfielder looks set to leave the Etihad in the new year having been used just 10 times this season.

He has not started a Premier League game all season and his last appearance in the competition came in the first week of November. Newcastle may look to find a fill-in for Sandro Tonali amid his lengthy betting ban but Financial Fair Play is set to restrict them from spending freely next month.