Inside Joao Cancelo's fallout with Pep Guardiola as frustrated City star is axed

DAILY STAR

Joao Cancelo is poised to join Bayern Munich following a breakdown in his relationship with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

The Portugal international will join Bayern on-loan until the end of the season, with a view to making the move permanent in a €70m deal (£61m).

It’s understood Cancelo made City bosses aware of Bayern’s interest in him and told them he wanted a new challenge. The news will come as a shock to City fans, who regard Cancelo as one of the best defenders in Europe.

But the 28-year-old has become increasingly frustrated by his lack of game time under Guardiola – and made his feelings known to the Spaniard.

Cancelo has started just three games since returning from the World Cup and is less than impressed Guardiola has promoted teenage defender Rico Lewis ahead of him.

Cancelo played in defeats to Manchester United and Southampton and was also hauled off at half time in City’s recent win over Chelsea.

Guardiola was willing to keep Cancelo, but is prepared to let him leave because the former Juventus star no longer fits into his long-term plans. The emergence of Lewis combined with the superb form of Nathan Ake has shunted Cancelo down the pecking order.

And to make matters worse a slight change in shape, formation and tactics from Guardiola means Cancelo’s situation is not likely to change between now and the end of the season. His departure could leave Guardiola short on defensive cover.

But the City boss can call on Sergio Gomez, who has made 12 appearances since joining from Anderlecht, while Aymeric Laporte can operate on the left side of defence when needed.