Manchester City have no intention of selling Bernardo Silva to Barcelona this summer - despite reports from Spain claiming that the Premier League champions have told the midfielder's agent he can leave for less than £70million.
Barca boss Xavi has made the Portuguese a key target as he looks to rebuild at the Nou Camp - and he is trying to raise the cash by flogging Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United. There have now been suggestions that City will cash in on Silva for less than €80million (£68m) if Barcelona can come up with the money.
It has been reported that City have given super-agent Jorge Mendes the green light to seal a deal at a bargain price. But the word from the Etihad is that Pep Guardiola still views the 27-year-old as a huge part of his plans for next season.
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Guardiola was prepared to let the 27-year-old move to Spain for personal reasons last year - but Barcelona failed to find the cash.
12 months on and City's resolve has stiffened.
The Sky Blues value Silva as an £80million-plus player after five outstanding seasons at the Etihad in which he has won four Premier League titles. City have spent almost £100million buying Erling Haaland and Kalvin Phillips.
But have recouped the money by allowing Gabriel Jesus to join Arsenal and selling Raheem Sterling to Chelsea. They are likely to bank another £35million for Oleksandr Zinchenko, who is another Gunners target. It appears Guardiola will not allow his squad to be weakened by the departure of Silva despite claims from his homeland.
