Pep Guardiola could be the scourge of his city rivals once again after distancing Bernardo Silva from speculation over a Manchester City exit this summer.
This is unwelcome news for neighbours Manchester United, who were harbouring hopes of Silva joining La Liga titans Barcelona - in turn, allowing the Spaniards to finally sanction the exit of Netherlands international Frenkie de Jong. United have been trying desperately to secure the signature of the Dutchman all summer, but the final month of the window is upon us and he remains a Barcelona player.
As for Silva, Barcelona president Joan Laporta admitted his side are keen on signing the Man City superstar, claiming: "First we have to register the players and get rid of those who don't count. Then we'll see what we can do."
Pressed for comment on the future of Silva, Guardiola told reporters: "Sometimes, you have to debate your path [with the player]. I have said many times that the desire of the player is the most important thing, I want people to be happy here and to try to work together."
Once the City boss had it put to him that his reluctance to actually come out and say Silva is staying might lead people to think an exit is near, Guardiola replied: "I didn't say that, all the time you know I say I want the best for the players - I want Bernardo to stay, definitely."
The comments will make for grim reading from a United perspective, who have now seen their hopes of landing De Jong's signature take yet another blow. It has undoubtedly been the transfer saga of the summer, but with each passing day, the switch appears more unlikely.
Despite De Jong's reluctance to join the Red Devils, the two clubs involved in the deal agreed a fee a long time ago. It has been weeks since Barcelona accepted United's offer of £63million plus add-ons - but as of yet, there has been little progress from that point.
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The Catalan club are keen on overseeing De Jong's departure given he is one of the few players currently on the books that could actually generate a meaningful transfer fee by leaving. It is the player's side digging their heels in and fighting for the chance to stay.
Any move is complicated further by the fact Barcelona still owe De Jong around £17m in deferred wages. He is unlikely to be going anywhere until that issue is resolved.
Silva joining Barcelona would have undeniably reduced De Jong's playing time, which could in theory have aided the Camp Nou hierarchy in their mission to try and force the former Ajax star out the door.
