£80m tag for Silva
for family reasons. But Barcelona could not raise the £60m asking price.
And City’s stance on
Silva has hardened over the last 12 months after he rediscovered his form in spectacular fashion to help the Blues retain the title.
He made 50 appearances for the Blues last season and the energy he brought to Guardiola’s side is now seen as indispensable.
Barcelona coach Xavi is a huge admirer of the former Benfica and Monaco star.
And he is ready to sacrifice Dutch playmaker Frenkie de Jong to raise the funds to raid the Etihad.
De Jong is expected to move to Manchester
United for around £70m after changing his mind about a switch to Old Trafford.
But senior sources at
City are adamant that the sale of De Jong will not generate enough cash to prompt them to sell Silva.
City’s current plan for the player is to offer him a contract extension on a deal that still has three years to run.
The midfielder, a £44m signing from Monaco five years ago, has won four Premier League titles, the FA Cup and four League Cups during his time at City and he remains a hugely influential and popular figure in the Etihad dressing room.