From Spain: Bernardo Silva will NOT play for Barcelona this season

Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva is set to stay at the Etihad Stadium despite wanting to move closer to Portugal amid interest from Barcelona, according to a new report from Spain.

Last summer, the 28-year-old was heavily linked with an exit from Manchester City, with Barcelona understood to be keen on bringing the Lisbon-born midfielder to Catalonia.

Silva has previously admitted to exploring options away from City to move closer to his homeland after the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years.

The financial restraints of the pandemic meant the Spanish side, much like other elite clubs across Europe, did not have their finances to table an attractive offer for Bernardo Silva.

Barcelona are believed to be desperate to offload Frenkie de Jong to finance a move for Silva, who has three years left on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium.

While Silva is said to be content with life at City off the back of a stellar season, there is belief he would like to swap Manchester for Barcelona and join forces with Xavi at Camp Nou.

Manchester City fans have understandably been sweating over the four-time Premier League champion's immediate future in England.

Silva was last to come off the pitch after his cameo in City's 4-0 win over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, as he applauded the home fans for their love and support.

The Portuguese wrote in a message on Twitter and Instagram after the game: "A great performance from the team and a fantastic atmosphere!

"I would also like to thank everyone at the stadium for those beautiful moments of love and support you guys showed me."

Starting 33 out of 38 games in City's league winning campaign last term, the former AS Monaco man was at the heart of Pep Guardiola's side and helped the Blues retain the Premier League for the second time since 2018.

Having allowed Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Oleksandr Zinchenko to move to direct rivals for improved game time, there was fear amongst the Manchester City faithful that a possible exit for Silva may as well be on the cards.

Sources in England have stated recently that whilst City will not move an inch from their €100 million asking price for Silva, the club are expecting a formal approach from Barcelona in the remainder of the transfer window.

However, as per the latest information provided by Luis Rojo, it is too late in the window for Manchester City to entertain any offers for Bernardo Silva.

Additionally, Jose Alvarez of El Chiringuito des Jugones has revealed that City are negotiating terms over a new contract with Silva.

With less than two weeks left in the window, the limited time left for City to search for a potential replacement for Bernardo Silva has made a move highly unlikely.

It is worth mentioning Barcelona's evident financial troubles mean chances were already slim of the Catalan outfit tabling a bid that would be deemed acceptable by the Premier League champions.