Bernardo Silva is wanted by Barcelona – but only if the Spanish giants can offload Frenkie De Jong to Manchester United.
Barca boss Xavi wants Manchester City midfielder Bernardo, but any deal is likely to be dependent on £75million-rated De Jong moving to United.
Holland international De Jong was initially reluctant to join United, because of their inability to offer Champions League football, after they finished last season sixth in the Premier League.
But the 25-year-old is said to have accepted Barca's desire to sell him to finance a move for Bernardo and is now happy to link up with former Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Bernardo, also valued at £75m, was close to leaving City the season before last when he became disillusioned with life in Manchester during the first national Covid lockdown.
City boss Pep Guardiola persuaded Bernardo to stay and the Portugal international responded by producing arguably his best form, helping the Blues to win back-to-back titles.
Despite that success, Bernardo is understood to be open to the prospect of a new challenge with a move to Barcelona, with Xavi a big admirer of the 27-year-old.
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Silva scored eight goals and produced four assists as he played a key role in City's latest title triumph, his fourth with the club.
The midfielder took his overall goal tally last season to 13, with five also scored in the Champions League and FA Cup.
With Raheem Sterling potentially on his way out of City this summer, it remains to be seen if Guardiola and the club's hierarchy will allow Bernardo – under contract until 2025 – to leave the Etihad.
Despite their financial woes, Barca have been boosted by a £235m naming rights deal with Spotify and are looking to strengthen their squad with big-name signings to compete for major honours again.
