Details of a 'heart to heart' conversation between Bernardo Silva and Manchester City towards the end of the last summer transfer window have now been revealed.
The Portugal international had seemingly been insistent on joining Spanish giants FC Barcelona.
However, with his contract not on his side and Manchester City standing by a firm valuation in excess of £80 million, the Catalan club were unable to fund a deal to the satisfaction of the Premier League champions.
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Nevertheless, there is strong curiosity within the City camp as to whether Bernardo Silva has had a change of heart, or whether he will hold out for renewed interest from Camp Nou officials next summer.
Manchester City are expected to call Bernardo Silva in for crunch talks to establish what his intentions will be when the summer transfer window reopens in 2023, and to understand where their own finances need to allocated within the market.
But just how did the former AS Monaco remain at the Etihad Stadium in the first place, and what conversations were had a few weeks ago to retain his services?
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Those details have now come to light in a new report this week, where it has been suggested that Bernardo Silva realises he is in the best place possible when it comes to football.
According to the information of Martin Blackburn at The Sun, Bernardo Silva had a 'heart to heart' with Manchester City near the end of the most recent summer transfer window.
As part of the talk between the two parties, the Portugal international 'vowed to give his all', for as long as he stays in the North-West.
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However, it is revealed that from a 'lifestyle point of view', Bernardo Silva would like to move to Spain.
Nevertheless, it is reaffirmed that the Manchester City star admits that in football terms, he is at 'the best place possible'.
Should Manchester City be forced in to entering the transfer market for a Bernardo Silva replacement next summer, then it is understood that work is already underway to identify replacements.
The most in-demand name on the market in that position at present is Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham.
The England international is known to have admirers within Manchester City, and the Premier League giants certainly have the finances and playing personnel to work on a charm offensive for the 19 year-old.
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However, City officials will be well aware of the potential for disappointment, especially given the number of clubs interested in his services.
The likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Chelsea have all been named as potential suitors in recent days, with the Spanish side understood to be the most serious at present.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images / AlamyTopics: Bernardo Silva, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Barcelona, Premier League, Football, Transfers
