Man City to offer Bernardo Silva contract extension with Pep Guardiola desperate to repel £80m Barcelona transfer
MANCHESTER CITY are planning talks with Bernardo Silva over his long-term plans amid fresh interest from Barcelona.
The Portuguese ace has made no secret of his wish to move closer to his homeland over the past couple of years.
And City would like to know where they stand as they have made revamping their midfield the top priority for the next close season.
Reports in Spain this week say the Nou Camp giants will move again for the £80million-rated star in the summer.
City do not want to lose Bernardo who has enjoyed a glittering five year stay at the Etihad Stadium.
And they will not be forced into selling him on the cheap as he still has more than two-and-a-half years left on his contract.
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However Pep Guardiola has been clear that he will not keep players at the club against their will if a suitable offer comes in.
There were no bids to turn City’s head last summer despite reports of a last minute swoop by Paris Saint Germain.
Bernardo had a heart to heart with the club near the end of the transfer window and vowed to give his all for as long as he stays in the North West.
From a lifestyle point of view he would like to move to Spain – although he admits in football terms he is at the best place possible.
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He has been a huge part of the club’s success in recent seasons and is hugely popular in the dressing room and among the fans.
But City will look to establish whether he is still keen to move on – or if he might be tempted by a contract extension.
Skipper Ilkay Gundogan is into the last year of his contract and no decision has yet been made over his future.
But if the German international leaves and Silva wants out too it would leave City with a sizeable void to fill in the midfield.
England ace Phil Foden has agreed a new deal with the club and an announcement is expected very soon.
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It was on the brink of being signed 12 months ago before the 22-year-old split from his agency at the end of 2021 – however all the issues have now been ironed out.
And the champions still hope another academy graduate, James McAtee, will come back and force his way into the reckoning at the Etihad after a year on loan at Sheffield United.