Manchester City braced for Bernardo Silva offer from Barcelona but remain firm on valuation for midfielder

Manchester City remain firm on their stance that it will take an offer worth nothing less than €100 million to convince the club to sell Bernardo Silva this summer, according to a new report.

The Premier League champions have begun their title defence with wins over West Ham and Bournemouth, with Silva starting both ties on the bench as uncertainty again looms over his future at the Etihad Stadium.

Barcelona maintain a long-standing interest in the Portugal international, who has admitted to wanting to leave Manchester City to move closer to his homeland in the last few years.

However, after failing to get his desired move away from Manchester last summer, the 28-year-old enjoyed a stellar campaign and helped Pep Guardiola to his fourth Premier League title as City boss.

Silva proved his worth to the Manchester City faithful in what was arguably his finest season in sky blue, as he registered 13 goals and seven assists in 50 appearances across all competitions for Guardiola's side.

There was renewed hope amongst the Etihad faithful that Silva would put an end to any remaining doubts over his future and commit his long-term future to City towards the back end of the past campaign.

However, with three years remaining on his current deal at City, Barcelona have again been heavily linked with a sensational swoop for the Lisbon-born midfielder.

The Spanish giants have already secured the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Raphinha and Andreas Christensen in the current transfer window, whilst also managing to agree terms with Ousmane Dembele over a new contract.

After five seasons at the Etihad Stadium, Silva, who joined Manchester City for £43 million from AS Monaco, is believed to be wanting to move clubs as he enters the prime of his professional career.

In a recent interview with ESPN, the four-time Premier League winner failed to deny speculation over his future but maintained he would remain professional right till the very end of his time at Manchester City.

Silva said: "I've always said that I'm happy here, but I have no idea what's going to happen. We'll see, honestly. My relationship with the club is very honest.

"I've been open with them and they know what I want. If I stay, I'm very happy, and I will always respect this club and give all my best. If not, it's football and we'll just see what happens."

Silva came on for club captain Ilkay Gundogan in the 65th minute against Bournemouth at the weekend and was spotted applauding City fans - who chanted his name throughout his cameo - around the stadium after the full-time whistle.

He took to social media after the game and wrote in a message on Twitter and Instagram: "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."

As just over a fortnight remains of the window, Barcelona need to act fast if they are to complete the signing of Bernardo Silva.

However, as per the latest information of Pol Ballus of The Athletic, Manchester City are not prepared to sell Silva and will not shift away from their €100 million asking price for the Portuguese from the start of the window.

It has been mentioned City have not received any formal approaches for Silva, with no contact from his camp over a desire to leave either.

However, sources close to the Premier League champions do expect Barcelona to table an offer for Silva at some point in the final few weeks of the window.

Silva's agent Jorge Mendes has good ties with the City hierarchy but that will not influence the club's stance on their valuation of their player, who is understood to be keen on a move.

City remain open to listening that match their valuation but will need to line up a suitable replacement for Bernardo Silva, which could in itself seem a tall order in the remainder of the window.