BERNARDO SILVA is preparing showdown talks with Pep Guardiola in a bid to try and force through a move to Barcelona on the cheap.
Portuguese midfielder Silva has asked to leave the Etihad this summer.
2
2
That was after he was deemed surplus to requirements following the £100m arrival of Jack Grealish.
SunSport understands that Silva, 26, is keen to play in LaLiga.
And his agent Jorge Mendes is trying to negotiate a move to Barcelona.
City currently are refusing to listen to any offers below £45m.
That figure could price out Barca considering their financial difficulties.
But with the departure of economically-draining Lionel Messi, the Catalans now have some funds to at least make a bid.
Silva has told friends he will plead with Guardiola to let him go.
The attacker joined City from Monaco in 2017 for around £43m.
BETTING SPECIAL – GET LEICESTER AT 60/1 OR MAN CITY AT 30/1
He has played 131 times for the club in the Premier League since then and scored 21 times.
During that period he has helped the Cityzens to lift the title on three occasions.
He also has four EFL Cup and an FA Cup medal in his collection.
⚽ Read our Transfer news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
DREAM TEAM 2021/22
PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON
- £100,000 prize pot up for grabs
- £50million budget to build your best XI
- Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
- Click here to play for FREE
- Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store
