Barcelona biding time to sign Premier League star, could launch move late in transfer window: Reports

Barcelona are allegedly not in a hurry to launch a move to rope in Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo in the summer transfer window.

Cancelo, 30, has recently returned to Manchester City following a fine season-long loan stint at the Blaugrana. He started 38 of his 42 overall appearances, recording four goals and five assists in the process.

However, Barcelona are believed to be keeping a close eye on Cancelo's situation at Pep Guardiola's side ahead of the next campaign. They are reportedly aiming to sign the right-back on loan again, but City are keen to sell their player for a sum of €30 million soon.

Now, according to the famed Spanish publication SPORT, Barcelona are being patient about their pursuit of Cancelo. They are aware of the Portuguese outcast's interest in rejoining the Catalan side and are planning to launch a late loan move in August to sign the player.

Barcelona, who finished second behind La Liga champions Real Madrid last term, are not in a hurry to sign Cancelo due to their good depth in the right-back position. They currently have Jules Kounde, Julian Araujo, and Hector Fort to cover the full-back position.

Aston Villa urged to sign ex-Barcelona star

Last week, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that former Barcelona star Joao Felix is a top target for Aston Villa. He wrote in his Daily Briefing column (h/t Villa News):

"Aston Villa are dreaming of Joao Felix. He's the ultimate target, especially for Unai Emery who's a big fan of the player and he'd love to work with him. It's still early, nothing advancing now, but one to watch. Let me clarify guys that it's a complicated deal because it's very expensive on fee and salary, but Villa want to try."

Ex-Millwall goalkeeper Bryan King has urged Aston Villa to sign Felix this summer. The 77-year-old Englishman exclusively told Villa News:

"If that is the player that the manager wants, then go and sign him. They have just sold Moussa Diaby [for a fee of €60 million to Al-Ittihad], they have money coming in from commercial deals. Therefore, if this is who Emery wants, then make it happen. Whatever they end up paying is neither here nor there. If Emery feels that Felix will improve Villa, then the club need to try and fulfil his wishes."

Last season, Felix registered 10 goals and six assists in 44 games for the Catalan giants during his one-year loan stint from Atletico Madrid.

Felix, 24, has a deal until June 2029 at La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid.