BERNARDO SILVA is closing in on a transfer to Barcelona, according to reports.
The Manchester City star, 27, has been linked with a move to the Spanish giants for some time but the club’s finances have held up the deal.
However, Barca have pulled another “economic lever” by securing a third loan against their future income.
According to Catalan newspaper Sport, the loans, which have partly come from selling the club;s TV rights, have enabled the club to bring in a chunk of badly needed capital this summer.
It means they have pushed ahead with signings such as Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha.
Sport’s report also indicates personal terms are no issue between their camp and Silva’s.
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Barcelona are now said to be optimistic over a deal being completed before the window shuts.
But as previous reports have suggested, the sale of midfielder Frenkie de Jong is paramount to any deal with Silva taking place.
Barcelona have reportedly agreed a fee with Manchester United to sell De Jong.
But the Dutchman is reluctant to leave the Nou Camp despite the club issuing an ultimatum of him either leaving or taking a pay cut.
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Chelsea, who have announced a deal to sign 18-year-old Carney Chukwuemeka, are said to be interested in De Jong as well, and their participation in the Champions League could be pivotal.
The Blues could even add Brighton ace and Man City target Marc Cucurella to their ranks ahead of their Premier League season opener against Everton next week.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
