Bernardo Silva: Jorge Mendes gives Barcelona the go-ahead to complete transfer
Jorge Mendes, the agent of Manchester City star Bernardo Silva, has reportedly given Barcelona the 'green-light' to make a move for his client this summer.
Silva, 27, joined Pep Guardiola's side from AS Monaco in 2017, but has emerged as Barcelona's first choice target to replace Frenkie de Jong, should the Dutch international leave the club this summer.
De Jong is wanted by Erik ten Hag's Manchester United, while Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the former Ajax star. He is still owed €17 million by Barcelona in deferred wage payments, which has complicated any potential exit.
The player's future is still known, with Man Utd pushing for a deal all summer, but making very little progress during that time. However, Barcelona have began planning for his exit, with a replacement lined up.
Silva is that man, and Barcelona have reportedly told Man City to be prepared to receive a bid for their midfielder. Despite their lack of finances, Barcelona have activated several levers to sacrifice future wealth for immediate money, and this has enabled them to sign Jules Kounde, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie so far this summer.
They've now turned to Silva, and according to Spanish radio station Cadena Cope, Barcelona have been given the 'green-light' to sign the Man City man by his agent Mendes.
Mendes has reportedly given his blessing over a move, which could see Barcelona's hunt ramp up even more, with the Spanish top flight season nearing closer.
A move seemingly depends on De Jong's future being resolved, but Barcelona's pursuit of Silva may reportedly speed up the sale of De Jong, who is an asset that the Blaugrana may be forced to offload in order to finance a move for Silva.
Man City's summer business
Man City have already sold Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Pedro Porro this summer, while Fernandinho has left on a free transfer.
Julian Alvarez has joined the squad after his loan move back to River Plate for the second-half of last season, and Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips and Stefan Ortega have arrived.
However, their pursuit of Brighton's Marc Cucurella ended in disappointment, and they may lose Silva this summer as well.