Bernardo Silva is a “real option” for Barcelona, sources have told ESPN, as the Spanish champions’ remarkable start to the summer transfer window continues.
Silva, 31, is available as a free agent after announcing he will leave Manchester City after nine years at the Etihad Stadium when his contract expires in June.
The Portugal international has drawn interest from a host of clubs, including Atlético Madrid, Benfica and teams in Saudi Arabia and the MLS.
He has yet to comment on his next move, but sources at Barça have confirmed his signing is “possible” and a “real option.”
Barça have already completed a deal taking Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for an initial fee of €70 million ($81m), with the England winger set to be officially presented on Friday.
ESPN have also revealed that, following the arrival of Gordon, the club have stepped up their interest in Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez.
– Gordon arrives in Barcelona ahead of €70m switch from Newcastle
– Barcelona have ‘no money’ to sign Harry Kane – Bayern president
– Arsenal-PSG: Champions League final preview, predictions
After Robert Lewandowski announced he will leave when his contract expires next month, Barça are scouring the market for a new striker, with sources saying the signing of Gordon is unrelated to the pursuit of a No.9.
Marcus Rashford’s name also remains on the table. Barça have an option to make his loan from Manchester United permanent for €30m.
Club sources say they have not ruled out bringing the England forward back, despite signing Gordon, who plays the same position, but that they would like to re-negotiate the terms of the deal with United.
If you are not logged in, your opt-out will be specific to this property and device or browser. For our other digital properties, to opt out, select “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” or “Your Privacy Choices” on each. If you clear your tracking history or use another browser or device, you’ll need to opt out again.You can also submit this opt-out form, which may enable us to apply your opt-out more broadly, for example, to stop data sharing in connection with advertising intended to reach you on platforms not operated by Disney (e.g., social media platforms). You may enable online, where available, a universal tool that automatically communicates your opt-out, such as Global Privacy Control (“GPC”), which we’ll process as if you had opted out through the toggle.Even if you opt out, you may continue to see advertising, including ads that may be based on personal information processed before you opted out. Please visit Your US State Privacy Rights for more information about your rights and how to exercise them.