Manchester City & Atletico Madrid Are Preparing A Massive Swap Deal This Summer

Atletico Madrid are huge fans of Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and are willing to swap Saul Niguez for him in a sensational summer transfer.

The Spain international has been linked with a move away from the Wanda Metropolitano after being unsettled by competition in his position.

City manager Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of Saul but is aware it'd take a hefty transfer fee to secure his services.

The Times have claimed Atletico have given City the chance to sign Saul in exchange for Silva.

PA

PA

Despite being a loved figure among the Etihad faithful, the Portuguese star only started 24 Premier League games this season and is said to be unhappy.

It is unknown if City would accept a straight swap given Silva's form since arriving from Monaco in 2017.

Guardiola's side won the Premier League at a canter this season and finished 12 points ahead of second placed Manchester United.

They did lose the Champions League final to Chelsea last month however and it appears a squad overhaul is planned ahead of next season.

PA

Moves for both Jack Grealish and Harry Kane are reportedly on the cards and players will need to move on as a result.

According to the Athletic, Joao Cancelo, Benjamin Mendy, Aymeric Laporte, Rodri, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus could all leave alongside Silva.

Rodri's grievances come from being left on the bench in Porto - with Ilkay Gundogan deployed in defensive midfield against the Blues.

Lothar Matthaus unleashed scathing analysis when discussing Guardiola's decision and he claims the Spaniard 'stole' the Champions League from City fans.

The 60-year-old told Sky Germany: "With his line-up, he stole the Champions League from the club and the fans and he has to rightly listen to the harsh criticism from all sides.

PA

"I am sure that there will be internal discussions about whether to part with him. The players will doubt him since that final.

"He had to try something again, present an imaginary ingenuity at the worst possible moment and totally deserved to lose.

"How can you play without a defensive midfielder in the most important game in club history, who was on the pitch in almost every game of the season, who ensures the balance, who gives everyone involved the necessary security?

"Why did he leave Rodri and/or Fernandinho out, start six attacking players and also play without a centre-forward?"

Topics: Manchester City, Football, Transfers, Atletico Madrid, Premier League, Bernardo Silva, La Liga

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_