Bernardo Silva has been quizzed on the interest of FC Barcelona while away on international duty with Portugal this week, after new details concerning the Camp Nou club came to light on Wednesday.
The La Liga giants have reportedly held a meeting with the Manchester City midfielder's agent Jorge Mendes, with the availability of Bernardo Silva claimed to be a major talking point during the meeting between the various parties in attendance.
While manager Xavi may be an admirer and Barcelona may hold an interest in the Portuguese midfielder, Manchester City's significant price tag - which some believe could exceed €100 million - will be a major stumbling block for the Camp Nou club, who notably have financial difficulties to handle at present.
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When quizzed on the topic of interest from Barcelona, and how much the idea of moving to the La Liga club excites the Manchester City man, Bernardo Silva told reporters, "Unfortunately, I won't be able to answer, because I'm at the service of the national team and super focused on the last game."
Continuing, the Manchester City star admitted that a decision will have to be made on his club future, and such a decision could come in the next few weeks and days, as he said, "When the season is over, we'll soon see what happens."
Last summer, speculation was rife concerning the future of Bernardo Silva, as the former AS Monaco man was understood to be unhappy with his lifestyle in Manchester amid travel restrictions imposed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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However, some quarters felt that the feeling of Bernardo Silva had altered throughout the season, with his personal life significantly improving, and on-field success seeing the player pick up several personal accolades and winning his fourth Premier League titles in the last five seasons.
Replacements would be few and far between for Manchester City this summer, should Silva ultimately decide that his future lies away from the Etihad Stadium, however Pep Guardiola is known to be willing to adapt his ways should transfer targets not be secured - as seen in the case of the club missing out on Tottenham forward, Harry Kane last summer.
Topics: Bernardo Silva, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Barcelona
Freddie Pye