Man City beat Man Utd in £52m Joao Cancelo transfer race with Juventus star on verge of Etihad move

MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly on the verge of beating rivals United to the signing of Joao Cancelo.

Portuguese outlet Record claims the Juventus star is close to a Premier League move after an incredible season in Turin.

Cancelo, 24, joined Juventus last summer from Valencia for £35million after a successful loan stint at Inter Milan.

He has made 34 appearances in all competitions this season.

But Cancelo has been unable to nail down a regular place in the starting XI, with Mattia De Sciglio often preferred in bigger games.

Man United are said to have scouted Cancelo during Juventus’ win at Napoli in March.

But it’s reckoned City have instead won the race for the ace’s signature.

CHRISTMAS IS CANCELO'D

Pep Guardiola is looking for ways to strengthen his squad following a second successive Premier League title win.

Kyle Walker has performed admirably in the right-back role under Pep.

But with Danilo likely to leave, that frees up room for a new signing.

And Cancelo would offer an even more dynamic attacking threat out wide, with the ace equally capable of playing as a flying winger.

It’s said that City are set to pay £52m to secure Cancelo’s signature.

And he could soon be joined by Atletico Madrid anchorman Rodri, who is set to cost £65m.

City also need a new centre-back to replace Vincent Kompany and are targeting Leicester star Harry Maguire.

But one man set to depart is Leroy Sane, who is closing in on a big-money move to Bayern Munich.