20 May 2023 , 21:30
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Manchester City are set to ask Bayern Munich if they are interested in a swap deal for Joshua Kimmich that would allow the Bundesliga giants to keep Joao Cancelo.
Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the 28-year-old German international and views him as a possible replacement for out-of-contract Ilkay Gundogan. Cancelo joined Bayern on loan in January but Munich are not willing to pay the £60 million it will cost them to make the full-back’s move permanent.
Guardiola has told the club that he will not contemplate allowing the Portuguese full-back to come back into the fold after he caused dressing room unrest over a lack of playing time after returning from the World Cup.
And a swap deal with Kimmich would offer a solution for both clubs. Ironically, Cancelo will be eligible for Premier League and Champions League medals if City win both competitions.
The Blues still haven’t given up on keeping Gundogan, who has been outstanding as the Blues have cranked up their bid for the Treble.
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The German midfielder has been offered a 12-month extension - but Barcelona are willing to hand him a three-year deal.
Pep Guardiola has big plans for Joao Cancelo (PA)City will have to find a compromise - but are already looking at alternative options like Kimmich. Guardiola worked with the versatile German international during his three years with Bayern.
Kimmich can operate as a full-back or midfielder - which is ideal for a manager who likes to ask his defenders to step forward.
He has two years left on his contract but could be open for a new challenge after speaking about his disappointment when Bayern sacked coach Julian Nageslmann in March.