From Spain: Barcelona eying audacious transfer approach for Manchester City midfield star amid bargain release clause | OneFootball

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva is set to be targeted by Barcelona for a third consecutive summer transfer window.

The 29-year-old could exit the Etihad Stadium this summer following years of uncertainty surrounding the Portugal international’s long-term future, despite penning a contract extension until 2026 in September.

Silva, who has been at Manchester City since signing from AS Monaco in 2017, has been linked with a potential return to the French top-flight with a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, as well long-standing interest from both Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League.

The midfielder has a £50 million release clause which becomes active this summer, paving the way for the Portugal international to leave Manchester City ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, with a price tag having proven a previous sticking point in transfer negotiations.

Barcelona’s continued financial woes had been expected to rule the La Liga side out of the race to sign the 29-year-old, with the Catalan club also expected to enter negotiations with Manchester City for the transfer of Joao Cancelo this summer.

Boyhood club Benfica have also been mooted as a potential destination for the midfielder, although the £50 million release clause could also prove problematic for the Portuguese side.

Football Espana relay claims from outlet Sport, claiming that Barcelona are ready to launch a third attempt at signing Silva from the Etihad Stadium this summer, with the player remaining one of their top transfer targets.

The La Liga side are reportedly hoping to agree a deal which will see the transfer fee paid in a series of instalments, with Barcelona also considering player sales to help facilitate a move for the midfielder.

Barcelona believe that they can ‘persuade’ Manchester City to agree a deal for the Portuguese star, with Silva turning 30 in August.

Silva has made 346 appearances for Manchester City to date, and scored the opening goal during last week’s 3-3 draw with Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The midfielder is set to start the second-leg at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening, after being rested for the Sky Blues’ 5-1 win over Luton Town on Saturday afternoon.