Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed he was ready to do business with rivals Manchester United during the winter transfer window.
Back in January, City were chasing Arsenal in the race for Premier League glory so it was a huge surprise when it was reported that Joao Cancelo was nearing an exit.
The Portuguese ended up joining German Bundesliga side Bayern Munich on loan but the Bavarian club have reportedly chosen not to trigger the option to buy Cancelo on a permanent basis.
Speaking at a charity golf event, Guardiola admitted he was ready to sell Cancelo to United whilst addressing rumours that Barcelona were also interested in the defender.
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He said: “I think they [Barcelona] have informed him very badly. He is far from reality.
“The reality was that we decided that he had to leave and we didn't care where he was going, even if he wanted to go to United, which is our rival. There is his agent and the clubs they agree. I won't say that they deceived him but that they misinformed him.”
Guardiola added: “If Bayern don't want him, then he won't go there.”
When asked about the full-back’s future, the City boss said: “This is a matter of Txiki [Begiristain, Sporting Director], of City, of his representative and of the club that loves him. I have no idea [why he didn't sign for Barcelona]. We didn't get any offers.”
After his exit was confirmed in January, there were rumours that Guardiola and Cancelo had a bust-up.
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However, the 29-year-old strongly denied those claims, he told Mundo Deportivo: “It's a lie that I had a fight with Guardiola, a complete lie. I didn't feel important to the team in recent games. I spoke to the coach and he agreed.
“I, the coach and the club decided that I had to leave, that it was the best option for me. I like new opportunities and I have nothing against City.”
Featured Image Credit: El Chiringuito/AlamyTopics: Joao Cancelo, Manchester City, Football, Pep Guardiola, Manchester United