Barcelona to Accelerate Cancelo Transfer Following Injury to Defender

• Barcelona are on the hunt for a right back
• The Catalan club have their sight set on Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo
• The Spanish champions recently suffered an injury blow in defence

Barcelona’s chase of Manchester City’s outcast Joao Cancelo might have just gotten the needed boost after the club suffered an injury blow to one of its makeshift right back.

The Spanish champions, who recently facilitated the exit of Mexican right back Julian Araujo and looking to terminate the contract of American international Serginho Dest, suffered a blow to their current defence line after Ronald Araujo suffered a hamstring injury during training on Thursday.

Araujo has had to fill in at the right back for Barcelona on numerous occasions, the most recent being in the club’s goalless draw against Getafe. The Catalan club, seemingly in a race against time to sign a replacement for the void, has stepped up their chase for Cancelo.

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Barcelona steps up Cancelo’s pursuit

Sport reported that Barcelona is locked in a negotiation with Manchester City for the signature of the 29-year-old defender.

Barcelona are reported to have sent a final offer for Cancelo. The offer is reported to be a loan with an option to buy of €30 million, which would become obligatory depending on bonuses.

Football Espana reports negotiations are very advanced, and the club hope to seal the signing in the next 48 hours.

Meanwhile, Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has promoted Marc Casado to the first team to cover for the void created by the injured Uruguayan. The youngster’s ability has impressed the Barcelona coach, and included him in the team to feature against Cadiz.

The 19-year-old could feature as a right back, hence providing Xavi with an extra option. The Bluagrana, however could see either Sergio Roberto or Eric Garcia will come into the Barcelona side to replace Araujo.

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Barcelona reopen Cancelo talks

Sports Brief also reported on Barcelona not giving up on Cancelo in the summer, having re-opened talks with Man City over the transfer of the Portuguese defender.

The 29-year-old has been identified as one of La Blaugrana's key transfer targets as they look to strengthen their defence, with Xavi said to be one of his admirers.