Report: Bernardo Silva Will Not Force A Move From Manchester City Despite Reports
Report: Bernardo Silva Will Not Force A Move From Manchester City Despite Reports - Sports Illustrated Manchester City News, Analysis and More Skip to main content
Report: Bernardo Silva's Camp Relaxed On Future, Manchester City Expect Player To Stay
Report: Bernardo Silva's Camp Relaxed On Future, Manchester City Expect Player To Stay - Sports Illustrated Manchester City News, Analysis and More Skip to main content
Barcelona pursuit of Bernardo Silva 'halting Man United transfer wish' and more Man City rumours
© Filipe Amorim/NurPhoto via Getty Images Bernardo Silva and Frenkie de Jong Barcelona boss Xavi is reportedly refusing to entertain the possibility of Frenkie de Jong leaving for Manchester United unless he can prise Bernardo Silva away from Manchester City. The midfielder’s future at the Etihad is still in doubt, albeit Pep Guardiola may well wish to keep the Portugal international amidst Gabriel Jesus’ departure to Arsenal and Raheem Sterling’s imminent exit for Chelsea. He is said to be a target for Barcelona, although some have dismissed their capability of pulling off a transfer due to their dire financial situation, with reported debts of £1bn. Meanwhile, United have been chasing De Jong for a number of months. READ MORE: Barcelona president issues fresh Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United denial A deal in principle has been agreed for him but Barcelona have changed their tune over the last few days. The Spanish giants have declared that the Netherlands international is not for sale. And claims from journalist Gerard Romero (via the Express ) may offer a reason as to why. He claims that Xavi will only be happy with a De Jong exit if the club sign Bernardo. The playmaker was close to leaving City last season before Pep Guardiola convinced him to stay. Rumours have recently resurfaced suggesting that he may want a move away again this summer. Meanwhile, the Evening Standard claims Chelsea are closing in on a £50m deal for Nathan Ake. The defender left Stamford Bridge for Bournemouth in 2017 before moving to City. The Premier League champions paid £41m for him in 2020, and they could retrieve that fee and more as soon as this week, the report claims. READ NEXT: