‘We’ve received no calls’ – Guardiola on Barcelona’s interest in Man City superstar

With yet another summer transfer window approaching, FC Barcelona are once again being heavily linked with Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva.

The 29-year-old Portuguese international has been on the radars of the Blaugrana for quite some time now, with the club exploring the idea of his signing in each of the last two summer windows.

When Xavi was in charge, Silva was once again very much on the agenda for Barcelona heading into the upcoming summer.

But, with now Hansi Flick taking over the reins as manager from the former midfielder, the former AS Monaco man is no longer seen as a priority, although the club remain interested.

Pep Guardiola wants to keep Silva

Recently, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was asked about Barcelona’s interest in Bernardo Silva.

The former Barça boss insisted that they have not received any approaches or calls for the Portuguese playmaker, while adding that he hopes to keep the player at the club.

“There are many rumours in the press on Bernardo but no one has called us so far. We’ve received no calls from Barça or any other club,” said Guardiola, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

Silva remains on Barcelona’s agenda. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“He’s a wonderful player, I hope he’s gonna stay with us at Manchester City.”

Silva has a release clause

Manchester City renewed Silva’s contract last year after it became clear that Barcelona would not press ahead with his signing.

However, the Premier League champions did insert a release clause worth a reasonable €58 million (£50 million).

Any move for the versatile midfielder would depend on the Blaugrana first addressing other priority targets and then having enough Fair Play margin to sign the Man City ace.

For now, though, Silva is not a top target for Flick, with the new manager hoping to sign a defensive midfielder and a left-winger first.