Manchester City are reportedly hoping to price playmaker Bernardo Silva out of a potential move to Barcelona this summer.
The 27-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Camp Nou, with his agent Jorge Mendes understood to have held talks with the Catalan giants.
Barca head coach Xavi is believed to be a huge admirer of the Portugal international, who recorded 13 goals and seven assists in 50 appearances for the Premier League champions across all competitions in 2021-22.
Silva's long-term future at the Etihad Stadium has been questioned, having previously expressed his desire to leave, and one recent report claims that the playmaker has a secret pact with Man City boss Pep Guardiola which allows him to leave the club should the right offer arrive.
However, The Mirror claims that the Citizens are hoping to keep hold of Silva and will demand a fee in excess of £80m from any interested clubs.
City believe that this figure would be out of Barca's price range given their financial situation, but the Catalan outfit could potentially generate funds from the sale of Frenkie de Jong, who has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.
Guardiola recently admitted that his boyhood club "will have a difficult time" attempting to lure Silva away from the Citizens, who are now planning to extend his contract which currently runs until June 2025.
Oliver Thomas
