Bernardo Silva 'tells agent to secure Barcelona move'

Bernardo Silva has reportedly instructed his agent Jorge Mendes to negotiate a move to Barcelona during this summer's transfer window.

The 27-year-old has been a vital player for Manchester City since his arrival from Monaco in July 2017, making 249 appearances in all competitions, contributing 48 goals and 50 assists in the process.

Bernardo still has three years left to run on his contract at Etihad Stadium, and he was again a vital player for Pep Guardiola's side last term, scoring 13 goals and registering seven assists in 50 appearances.

The Portugal international is believed to be unsettled in England, though, and he told Man City that he wanted to leave last summer before being convinced to remain at the club.

"Bernardo Silva wants to leave. There are two or three players who want to go. When they bring some offer and they want to leave, we are open to discuss... but it depends on them," Guardiola told reporters last summer.

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Bernardo has often spoken of his desire to move closer to his family in Portugal, telling Channel 11 earlier this year: "I miss Portugal a lot. If I could go back in a year or two, I would. Not only because I would like to play for Benfica again, but because I miss my family and living in Portugal very much."

The playmaker has won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and four League Cup crowns during a highly successful period in Manchester.

However, the lifestyle in England is believed to be a huge issue for Bernardo, and according to Sport, he has told his agent Mendes to negotiate a move to Barcelona this summer.

The Catalan giants are said to be huge admirers of the Portuguese but could struggle to sign him in the current market due to their financial issues, with Man City thought to value him in the region of £80m.

The report claims that the sale of Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United could put Xavi's side in a position to afford to bring the former Benfica youngster to Camp Nou.

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"As of today, in my opinion, I think Bernardo Silva will continue with us next season. Our goal, as a club, is for him to stay with us. This is our intention, although I don't like to keep players that are unhappy," Guardiola told reporters last month.

Bernardo came through the youth system at Benfica, representing their first team on three occasions ahead of a switch to Monaco, where his form earned him a move to Man City in 2017.

A move for the Portuguese could be complicated by the fact that the Citizens are seemingly prepared to allow both Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling to leave during this summer's transfer window.

Arsenal are soon expected to confirm the arrival of Jesus, while Chelsea are said to be in advanced talks over a deal for Sterling, which could lead to the club blocking an exit for Bernardo.

Barcelona are also still attempting to sign Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich, but the Catalan outfit are struggling to come to an agreement over a transfer fee for the Poland international.