Bernardo Silva has next club lined up after leaving Man City

Bernardo Silva is reportedly closing in on his next move after calling time on his decorated spell at Manchester City.

The Portugal international, who joined from AS Monaco in 2017, captained City to two trophies in his final season at the Etihad Stadium.

Along with his close friend John Stones and manager Pep Guardiola, the final day clash with Aston Villa on Sunday will be his last game for City after an incredible run.

Silva is leaving on a free transfer after deciding against renewing his contract at City but still only 31, he plans to continue playing at a high level.

And that desire looks set to be met, with Atletico Madrid believed to be leading the race for his signature.

According to MARCA, as per Alfredo Pedulla, Silva is set to be the replacement for Antoine Griezmann - who is moving on to the MLS with Orlando City at the end of the season.

Silva believes working under Diego Simeone at Atletico is the right destination for the next stage of his career and the club are said to be prepared to include a lucrative signing-on bonus to seal the deal.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola praised after speaking about the one regret he's ‘hid deep inside for many years'

Serie A side Juventus had been heavily linked with Silva and even willing to offer a salary of €8 million per season as well as a contract until 2028.

But those negotiations look set to prove unsuccessful, with Silva Madrid-bound and poised to become one of Atleti's top earners.

Bernardo Silva signs off with two trophies in his only season as captain. Image: Getty

He could link up with former City teammate Julian Alvarez, though the Argentine is the subject of strong interest from many of Europe's elite after an excellent run of form at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.

Bernardo Silva explains decision to leave Man City for new challenge

Throughout his tenure at City, Silva was courted by Barcelona on many occasions but was ultimately convinced to stay despite being close to the exit door.

The decision to depart upon the expiration of his contract was made two years ago, with Silva clear that he would not stay any longer even with the efforts from the club.

"It was a decision I made two years ago, that I would see out my contract and then we would go our separate way, he admitted in an interview. Portuguese channel Canal 11.

"When I made the decision, I knew I wouldn't change my mind."

Silva added: "The decision to leave was a natural one. It's my last chance to take on another challenge in my life, to do something different. Since I left, my family has been pulling me back. They know that nine years is a long time and, after everything I've achieved here, it made sense to do something different."

Silva leaves with 20 trophies to his collection in Manchester, as well as the record appearances in the Premier League from a Portuguese player.

He looks set to sign off with a 304th and final outing in the English top flight against Villa and has had a special mosaic created at the club's training facility to honour his contributions.

That same honour has been given to fan favourite Stones, while Guardiola's innate legacy has been marked with the renaming of the club's new north stand in his name.