Barcelona have been heavily linked with a move for Bernardo Silva in recent weeks, a transfer that will only be made possible if the club manages to sell Frenkie de Jong.

With Barcelona open to selling Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United this summer, Barcelona boss Xavi wants a deal for 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 is believed to be 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.

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

Meanwhile, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has told his former club to forget about a move for Silva.

Guardiola said: “I believe that Bernardo Silva will stay with us, but as I have always said since my time at Barça, I don’t want players who don’t want to be with us.”

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.

Besides a rumoured deal for Bernardo Silva, Barcelona are interested in some signings despite the club’s financial situation, chief of which is Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.