Bernardo Silva may have a gentleman's agreement that will let him depart Manchester City for a low fee should he wish to, Paul Robinson, who contributes for Sky Sports, has claimed.

What's the word?

The midfielder has played a crucial role in Man City's success under Pep Guardiola, but there have been long-standing rumours that he would like to move abroad, with Barcelona linked in the past.

Given their financial troubles, a deal for one of the Premier League's star players looks unlikely, but Robinson has claimed that Silva may have an agreement with City to lower his price if he wants to make a move to Spain.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former England goalkeeper stated that he expects the Portugal international to move on at some point, and that talks will have already taken place over his exit strategy.

“Bernardo Silva has been such a great servant to the club," he stated.

“If he is publicly talking about moving on I suspect there has been conversations behind the scenes. I think there will be a situation that will enable him to leave.

“He has been such a brilliant player for them. If there is a situation that works for City I cannot imagine they will demand an astronomical fee for him.

“I think it will be a case of shaking hands on a minimal transfer fee. I cannot see a situation where City demand top dollar that no club is willing to pay.

“I’m sure they will come to an agreement if the right club comes in. It is clear that he see his future elsewhere.”

Another major departure?

A lot of City's important players have departed the club in recent years, and the club have had to consistently recruit top-quality stars to replace their output.

Fernandinho, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane and Oleksandr Zinchenko have all left within the last few seasons, often in search of more regular minutes or to be the main star elsewhere, and Silva could be the next to follow.

If the midfielder does push for a move, City are unlikely to stand in his way, having granted moves to all their other wantaway stars in the past, but a big arrival can be expected if the 28-year-old leaves.

Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish have arrived within the last year to replace some of the departures, and another superstar signing could be necessary to replace someone of Silva's quality and experience.