Despite being heavily linked with a move away from Manchester City earlier in the window, it now looks as if Bernardo Silva is set to remain at the Etihad.
What's the word?
It was widely reported that the former AS Monaco man was keen on a move away from the Citizens this summer, especially after City confirmed the £100m signing of Jack Grealish, with the Englishman seemingly set to take Silva's place in the starting eleven.
Pep Guardiola's side were clearly keen to cash in on some first-team players in order to raise enough money to bring Harry Kane to the Etihad and Silva seemed a prime candidate to leave, with AC Milan amongst the sides said to be interested in signing him.
However, after Kane confirmed he would be staying with Spurs this summer, it now looks as if Silva will remain a Manchester City player, with Portuguese journalist David Novo (via SI), claiming that there is a strong possibility that he won't depart before Tuesday evening's transfer deadline.
A boost for Manchester City?
Kevin De Bruyne's injury has perhaps played a factor in Bernardo Silva starting two of City's three games in the Premier League this season and whilst it is early days, the skilful midfielder is showing signs of the form he produced in the 2018/19 campaign when he was named in the PFA Team of the Year after helping City to the title.
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Last season saw the 27-year-old manage just two goals in 26 top-flight appearances but he was excellent in both of the 5-0 wins against Norwich City and Arsenal, with Guardiola singing his praises after the game, saying:
“Bernardo in his mind is happy - happy in his life and what a player.
“The year we won the Premier League with 98 points, he was the best player in the Premier League.
“All I want is his happiness. He can play in different positions. He always plays good and today he played exceptional again.”
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Although the Portuguese maestro might lose his regular starting spot when the likes of De Bruyne and Phil Foden return to full fitness, there is no doubting Silva's quality when he is on form, and Guardiola would surely be delighted to keep him in his squad this season, so it seems unlikely, after this journalist's update, that he will depart before the deadline.
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