Barcelona to launch last gasp bid for Man City star Bernardo Silva

Barcelona have not given up on their long-term dream of luring Manchester City star Bernardo Silva to Spotify Camp Nou.

The Portuguese midfielder has been a priority target for Barca since last summer, and Mundo Deportivo claims the Blaugranas are preparing to make a last-ditch effort to sign him.

Man City are open to keeping Silva at the Etihad Stadium following a spectacular individual campaign, but they will not stand in the player’s way if an acceptable proposal arrives.

However, the Cityzens will demand at least €80 million for Silva – a figure that is affordable for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, who are also desperate to land the former AS Monaco man.

The 28-year-old already has an offer from the Riyadh club, who are prepared to offer him a mind-boggling salary package worth a reported €50m a year to move to the Middle East.

Neither Barca nor any club across Europe’s top five leagues can match the monstrous proposal from the Saudis, but the Spanish giants are hoping the player’s long-term desire to join them will tilt the tides in their favour.

Barca manager Xavi Hernandez is desperate to add Silva to his ranks this summer, and the club are reportedly preparing an audacious loan with a conditional obligation to make the transfer permanent next year.

Silva’s representative Jorge Mendes has a healthy rapport with the Spanish champions, and the super agent could be key in making the transfer happen.

Barca are hoping that La Liga would loosen their stance on the club’s salary budget, with Joan Laporta claiming Javier Tebas is considering their appeal, but nothing is set in stone.

If Barca successfully put together an acceptable proposal for Silva, they would have to make their move for the player early in the transfer window to allow Man City to sign a high-level replacement.

An unsuccessful move for Silva could see Barca switch their attention to Tottenham Hotspur outcast Giovani Lo Celso, who is also considered a top target by Xavi.