Barcelona want to sign Joao Cancelo next season as Xavi Hernandez wants to strengthen his defense

Joao Cancelo is Barcelona's "number one objective" in their pursuit of a "high class fullback" before the start of the next campaign.

The 28-year-old is presently on loan from Manchester City to Bayern Munich after losing Pep Guardiola's favor.

Munich has a £62 million buyout clause that may make the fullback's transfer permanent at the conclusion of the current campaign, but they are unwilling to use it given the fullback's struggles and the fact that he has made just six starts since moving to Bavaria.

He may be moving once again as Barcelona manager Xavi reportedly wants to loan Cancelo to the Nou Camp, according to Sport.

The fullback's'versatility' is reportedly valued by the Catalan giants, who see him as their best choice since all other possibilities are too pricey.

Barca's recent Clasico loss in the Cup del Rey may have had anything to do with their desire to sign a fullback.

In the second leg of their semifinal match against Real Madrid, they were defeated 4-0, and Ronald Araujo, a natural center defender, struggled while playing right back.

Bayern's unwillingness to keep Cancelo has presented a problem for City.

Sportsmail had exclusively disclosed that the full back and City manager Guardiola got into a furious argument on the practice field, which caused the full back to run for cover.

While he still had four years left on his contract, the fact that City permitted him to go for a European opponent in the middle of the season without providing defensive backup was a significant indication of his position within the team.

Guardiola has not ruled out Cancelo returning to Barcelona at the conclusion of his loan, although doing so may be advantageous for all parties involved.

On Tuesday, when Bayern plays City in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal, the fullback's new team will go up against his former one.

While Thomas Tuchel's team has a flawless record in the tournament this year, they have had a bit of a rocky few weeks after changing managers and losing to Freiburg in their most recent game, which cost them ground in the championship fight.

Erling Haaland, who scored five goals against RB Leipzig in their most recent European match, may be the ideal weapon for City, who will be anxious to win their first UCL championship this season.