Key Manchester City player Bernardo Silva has reportedly told the Premier League club that he wants to join Spanish side Barcelona this summer.

With Barcelona open to selling Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United this summer, Barcelona boss Xavi wants Bernardo Silva as the replacement for De Jong.

Xavi and his coaching staff are reportedly very keen on signing the Portuguese midfielder, who has been a pivotal cog in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side which has seen unprecedented success over the past few seasons.

Silva scored 13 goals and provided 7 assists in 50 appearances for Manchester City last season, playing an instrumental role in Manchester City’s Premier League title defence.

According to Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo, Bernardo Silva told Manchester City this week that he wants a move to Barcelona this summer.

Silva joined Manchester City in 2017 from French club Monaco via hometown club Benfica.

The 27 year old Portugal international has a contract at the Etihad that runs until 2025.

Silva is already aware of Barcelona’s interest in signing him through his agent Jorge Mendes and have told the club to negotiate with the Spanish side for his transfer.

Initial talks between Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Silva’s agent Jorge Mendes have already taken place, according to reports.

Manchester City have a transfer policy in not standing in players’ ways if they express a desire to leave.

The Blues won’t stop Silva from getting his move to Barcelona as long as his €100million pricetag is met by the Spanish side.

Despite Barcelona’s interest in signing Silva, the deal can only happen if the Spanish side successfully sell De Jong to Manchester United this summer.

Coincidentally, Silva’s asking price is exactly what Barcelona want for De Jong from Manchester United or any other interested party: €80milliom fixed and up front plus another €20million in variables.

Guardiola has warned Barcelona that it would be difficult to sign Manchester City star Bernardo Silva this summer due to their financial difficulties.

Guardiola said; “They will find it difficult.

“Everyone knows that if the situation isn’t good you can’t make big signings.

“I hope everything goes well for them but with the situation they have they cannot do great things.

“There are moments in history when everyone has to accept it.”