La Liga giants Barcelona have held a meeting with the agent of Manchester City star, Bernardo Silva - it has been revealed in new information provided by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Portugal international was widely rumoured to be seeking a move away from the Etihad Stadium during the summer transfer window of 2021, after reportedly falling unhappy with his lifestyle in Manchester in light of the restrictions imposed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
However, after a stellar 2021/22 campaign that saw Bernardo Silva play an integral role in Manchester City's fourth Premier League title win in the last five seasons, there has been fresh hope amongst supporters of the clubs that the former AS Monaco star may now be interested in prolonging his stay with the club.
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That has not stopped interest from some of Europe's premier clubs however, with La Liga mega-club FC Barcelona being the latest to show interest in the availability of the footballer through his agent.
According to the information of reputable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Bernardo Silva was the main name mentioned during a meeting that took place between Barcelona and super-agent Jorge Mendes on Wednesday night.
Unsurprisingly given the quality and performances of Bernardo Silva at Manchester City and on the international stage over the past five years since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2017, it has been reported that Barcelona manager Xavi is a big fan of the player.
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However, it has been reported that Manchester City will set a huge price tag on the Portugal international - such is his importance to Pep Guardiola at the Premier League champions. At present, this would make any deal impossible for the Camp Nou club, and a deal may only be explored if Frenkie de Jong leaves the club, according to the information of Fabrizio Romano.
An additional report from Spanish newspaper Marca has also detailed that Bernardo Silva would have to force his way out of the football club should he wish to leave this summer, as Manchester City's stance is simple: They do not want to sell.
In fact, the same report claims that in order to get Manchester City to come to the negotiating table for Bernardo Silva, then a fee of €100 million would have to be offered in an opening proposal.
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For now, Bernardo Silva is going nowhere, and as per confirmation from previous reports, officials at the Etihad Stadium have no interest in letting the player go - with the focus being on retaining star players and strengthening in areas such as defensive midfield and left-sided full-back.
Topics: Manchester City, Bernardo Silva, Premier League, Barcelona, La Liga, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers
Freddie Pye