Al Hilal have turned their attention to Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo after being told that Kyle Walker will not be allowed to leave the club this summer, a source has told ESPN.
The Saudi Pro League side are hoping to tempt Cancelo with the offer of a three-year contract worth around £15million a season.
The Portugal international is available after spending the last 18 months on loan. City manager Pep Guardiola suggested Cancelo could reintegrate into the squad after returning to training in Manchester this summer, but he did not feature in the Community Shield win over Manchester United or the opening game of the Premier League campaign against Chelsea.
Barcelona, where Cancelo was on loan last season, have maintained their interest throughout the transfer window but their precarious financial situation has meant they have been unable to reach an agreement.
Al Hilal have expressed interest in Cancelo after being told Walker will not be able to leave City before deadline day. The SPL side initially drew up a three-man shortlist, including Walker, Cancelo and Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong.
Cancelo has not played for City since January 2023, when he was loaned to Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga club decided not to make the transfer permanent the following summer and Cancelo left for Barcelona, again on loan.
He made 42 appearances last season and despite interest in re-signing the 30-year-old, Barcelona now appear to have lost out to Al Hilal.
Meanwhile, City are expected to announce the return of Ilkay Gündogan on Thursday. The midfielder has agreed a one-year contract with the option for a further season after leaving Barcelona by mutual consent.
