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    Barcelona want Man City star Bernardo Silva and could offer Nelson Semedo in shock swap transfer

    BARCELONA are interested in signing Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, according to reports.
    The Portuguese midfielder started just 23 Premier League matches for City this season as he struggled to rediscover the form that saw him named their player of the year in 2018-19.

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    Manchester City Bernardo Silva is back in England after being holed up in PortugalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Barca hope to capitalise on Silva’s situation and could include right-back Nelson Semedo in a cash-plus-player swap deal.
    The Telegraph claims the La Liga giants hope to tempt the 25-year-old with a new challenge after three seasons at the Etihad.
    However, Barca’s limited post-coronavirus budget means they have prioritised swap deals this summer and hope to test City’s resolve by offering Semedo in part-exchange.
    Semedo, 26, has been on City’s radar for some time and is among a number of names the Blaugrana are looking to move on in the transfer window.

    Silva joined City from Monaco in 2017 for an initial £43.5million fee but would likely be valued much higher by City, even though the pandemic looks in the most part to have decimated transfer fees globally.
    Despite a downturn in form, the midfielder has still contributed eight goals and ten assists in 52 appearances this season.
    Asked recently about Silva, City boss Pep Guardiola admitted this season had been tough for the Portuguese due to the displays of Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez.

    “This season, maybe it was my fault or maybe Phil was more involved and Riyad maintained his level and the other players played good too,” Guardiola said.
    Silva was overlooked in favour of Foden for City’s Champions League last-16 win over Real Madrid on Friday night before coming on for the England under-21 international in the 67th minute.

    David Silva offered £52k a week, private jet and ‘elegant house’ by Lazio as Man City legend weighs up transfer More

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    Man City ready to slash transfer asking price of Nicolas Otamendi to £8m after signing Ake

    MANCHESTER CITY are ready to slash the asking price for Nicolas Otamendi after the £41million signing of defender Nathan Ake.
    Napoli had been quoted around £15m for Otamendi, 32, who has two years left on his contract.

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    Manchester City are willing to drop Nicolas Otamendi’s asking price from £15m to just £8mCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    But the arrival of 25-year-old Holland international Ake from Bournemouth means City boss Pep Guardiola is now covered for left-sided central defenders.
    Etihad sources say they could sell for around £8m.
    Valencia are also interested in the Argentine, who they sold to City for £31.7m five years ago.
    The Spanish club can also afford his £100,000-a-week wages.

    Otamendi has racked up 210 City appearances since his big-money move from LaLiga.
    In that time he has won seven major trophies, including back-to-back Premier League titles in 2018 and 2019.
    City were open to the idea of selling him last summer but no suitable bids came in for the 70-cap centre-back whose current contract expires in 2022.

    And Aymeric Laporte’s injury woes meant he enjoyed more game time than previously anticipated, featuring in 39 games so far this term.

    That includes all eight Champions League matches, albeit for just the final moments against Real Madrid on Friday.
    However, both Otamendi and John Stones have regularly been overlooked at centre-back with youngster Eric Garcia or holding midfielder Fernandinho often given the nod instead.

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    City completed the £41m signing of Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake this week to bolster their back lineCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Nathan Ake post emotional video to Bournemouth fans after completing move to Man City More

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    David Silva offered £52k a week, private jet and ‘elegant house’ by Lazio as Man City legend, 34, weighs up transfer

    DAVID SILVA has reportedly been offered £52,000 a week plus a private plane and elegant house to join Lazio.
    The Man City legend bid an emotional farewell to the Premier League against Norwich on the final day of last season after a dazzling decade at the Etihad.

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    Lazio are trying to sign Man City legend David SilvaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Silva is yet to decide on his next club and for now is focusing on City’s Champions League Last 16 second leg against Real Madrid tomorrow.
    But reports in Italy suggest Lazio have offered Silva a whole host of benefits to help lure him to the Stadio Olimpico.
    Tuttosport reports the Serie A side have tabled a deal worth £52,000 a week.
    They have also thrown in some luxury selling points for Spanish veteran Silva, 34, including his own private jet and a luxury pad in the heart of Rome.

    But incredibly, it does not seem enough for Silva.
    The talented playmaker collects £220,000 a week at City and although he is prepared to take a substantial pay cut, Lazio are still significantly below his wage demands.
    According to Il Tempo, Silva is looking for around £86,000 per week to make the move.

    Lazio finished fourth in Serie A as 36 league goals from Golden Shoe winner Ciro Immobile helped fire them to Champions League qualification for the first time in 13 years.

    Four-time Premier League winner Silva is believed to be the club’s No1 transfer target and they are working on sealing the deal with his representatives.
    Silva is not thought to have been short of offers with reports he has already rejected moves to the MLS and the UAE and was previously linked with a return to his homeland with Real Betis.

    Man City legend David Silva in shock transfer talks with Serie A side Lazio More

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    Man City set to be raided for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, 15, by Borussia Dortmund after having Jadon Sancho snatched away

    MAN CITY could be raided by Borussia Dortmund yet again.
    The German side stole England star Jadon Sancho away from the Citizens and are now reportedly after another English wonderkid in Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.

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    Man City’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens looks set to leave for Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    The City youngster could follow the path of Jadon Sancho Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    The Secret Scout first reported the 15-year-old would leave City this summer, with Dortmund in pole position.
    European big-hitters Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also thought to be interested.
    But Dortmund chiefs view Bynoe-Gittens as a project very similar to the one they embarked on by signing Sancho in 2017.
    The winger was drafted into the City academy after turning down the chance to join Arsenal.

    The youngster from Reading was won over by the presence of academy stars like Sancho in the City ranks.
    But it now appears the England youth international has decided his future lies away from the Etihad after two seasons in Manchester.

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    Jadon Sancho featured heavily for the Man City youth sidesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    He had previously told The Secret Scout: “I’m going to try and make a name for myself.
    “When Sancho was at City, he was doing bits in the 18s, scoring every game, so in a way, I want to be like him.

    “You’ve got to take stuff from other people to make the best version of yourself.
    “You’ve now got to score and assist to be the best.”

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    Jude Bellingham (left) and Jadon Sancho (centre) train with DortmundCredit: EPA
    Dortmund have already snaffled some young English talent this summer with the arrival of Jude Bellingham, 17, from Birmingham.
    The England Under-17 international was inspired by Sancho to make the move to Signal Iduna Park and the pair have been spotted in training together.
    Sancho has been a roaring success in the Bundesliga since his surprise move three years ago.
    The 20-year-old walked away from the Sky Blues after becoming frustrated at the path into Pep Guardiola’s first-team.
    He bagged 15 goals and six assists in just 22 games for City’s Under-18 side and transferred his good form into senior action at Dortmund.
    Sancho has made 99 appearances in all competitions, registering 34 goals and 43 assists in Germany.

    But he has been heavily linked with a big-money move to Manchester United this summer.
    Sancho is rumoured to be joining the Red Devils on a five-year deal worth £350,000 a week.
    A deal could set Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side back up to £110million and after Alexis Sanchez’s permanent departure was confirmed, fans begged for Sancho to be announced as the new No7 at Old Trafford.

    Man Utd and Jadon Sancho ‘agree five-year £350,000-a-week deal’ over £110m transfer from Borussia Dortmund More

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    Man City ‘rule out Sergi Roberto transfer and not planning approach for Barcelona star’ despite Guardiola being fan

    MANCHESTER CITY have not made an approach for Sergi Roberto despite talk of a bid for the Barcelona star.
    The Spaniard’s agent Josep Maria Orobitg has denied any suggestion that his client will leave the Camp Nou.

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    Sergi Roberto is set to stay despite Barcelona planning a clear out this summerCredit: USA TODAY Sports
    After reports that Roberto will be offered to City in their move for young defender Eric Garcia, Orobitg stated the right-back’s intention to stay with the Catalans.
    Manchester Evening News quote the agent as saying: “Sergi Roberto has no plans to leave Barcelona.
    “Now there are no clubs showing interest and Barcelona have not submitted any proposals for the player to us.”
    Pep Guardiola has long been described as a big fan of Roberto, 28, having given the La Masia product his debut back in 2010.

    Capable of playing in central midfield and the right side of defence, he is arguably the last academy player to come through Barcelona’s famous youth system and establish a long-term place in the first-team.
    According to Sport, City wanted to bring Roberto to Manchester when discussing Garcia’s future with the LaLiga side at the end of the season.
    It is said that Barcelona would prefer to let fellow right-back Nelson Semedo go as they attempt to push down their mammoth wage bill over the summer.
    Guardiola stated last month his desire to keep Garcia with just one year left on the centre-back’s contract.

    He said: “We are going to try convince him to stay here for many, many, many years.”
    With Orobitg, who also represents Guardiola, denying any City link to Roberto, MEN believe the club are focusing their efforts elsewhere.
    Defenders Pau Torres, Kalidou Koulibaly and Ruben Dias are reportedly Pep’s priorities after signing Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres.

    Man City could field two new signings next season

    Nathan Ake post emotional video to Bournemouth fans after completing move to Man City More

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    Man City agree £21m deal to seal Ferran Torres transfer from Valencia as Leroy Sane replacement

    MANCHESTER CITY have agreed deal rising to £31.6million for Valencia’s Ferran Torres.
    The transfer is virtually done with Torres to put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

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    Man City have agreed to sign Ferran Torres from ValenciaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The 20-year-old winger will arrive at the Etihad for an initial fee of £20.8m plus up to £10.8m worth of add-ons.
    The La Liga side valued the player at £39m but are desperate for cash and it appears City have been able to secure a bargain.
    He will help plug the massive void left by the departure of midfield magician David Silva after a decade of dazzling Premier League displays.
    Torres is equally comfortable on either flank and is seen as a direct replacement for Leroy Sane after his £55m departure to Bayern Munich.

    The move was orchestrated by City’s transfer chief Txiki Begiristain and Torres’ agent Jorge Mendes – who also looks after Cristiano Ronaldo.

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    Torres could go straight into City’s side next season
    The Spaniard is in the last year of his deal at the Mestalla and his move caps a remarkable 12 months in his career.
    Former Valencia boss Marcelino had reportedly considered sending him out on loan at the start of the campaign.
    But Torres established himself as a regular fixture in the side, bagging four goals and five assists in 34 La Liga appearances.

    The youngster has been particularly impressive in Europe, notching two goals and two assists in just six Champions League games.
    And he will have the opportunity to compete in Europe’s premier competition for the Citizens next year after they had their two-year Uefa ban controversially overturned.
    City are free to take part next season despite the best efforts of NINE top-flight clubs who wrote to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

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    Torres could slot in on the right wing next season as Pep Guardiola looks to build a side capable of overturning runaway Premier League champs Liverpool.
    City’s manager is thought to have been given an incredible £300m transfer war chest to help erase the 18-point gap that separated the runners-up from Jurgen Klopp’s side.
    Guardiola is also lining up a swoop for at least one central defender with Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and relegated Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake both in the picture.

    Valencia midfielder Ferran Torres scores cheeky outside-of-the-foot half-volley vs Celta Vigo More

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    How Man City could line up with Ferran Torres and Koulibaly as Pep plots transfers to win back Premier League title

    MAN CITY boss Pep Guardiola is lining up a double transfer to help win back the Premier League title.
    The Spanish manager saw his City side surrender their crown to runaway leaders Liverpool this season and is set to dip into the owner’s pocket to try and get back on top.

    Man City could field two new signings next season
    And Guardiola could be given a huge £300million transfer war chest to dethrone Jurgen Klopp’s side.
    A priority signing is a central defender to partner the impressive Aymeric Laporte at the back.
    All faith in John Stones seems to have been lost and a potential return to Everton is on the cards.
    And with Eric Garcia wanted by Barcelona and Nicolas Otamendi error-prone, reinforcements are needed.

    One man who could fit the bill is Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly.
    The 29-year-old Senegalese international would cost around £70million but could finally fill the void left by Belgian enforcer Vincent Kompany in the heart of defence.

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    Kalidou Koulibaly could be off to Manchester City to partner Aymeric LaporteCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Another option is Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake who is almost certain to leave the Cherries after their final-day relegation to the Championship.
    Legendary midfielder David Silva has bid farewell to the club after a stunning decade in the English top-flight.

    Valencia wonderkid Ferran Torres could be the ideal replacement for the outgoing magician Silva.
    The LaLiga side are thought to be prepared to cash in if they receive a bid in the region of £39m.
    And the 20-year-old would also cover the space left by Leroy Sane’s move to Bayern Munich and is in the final year of his deal at the Mestalla.

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    Valencia winger Ferran Torres could make the move to the EtihadCredit: Getty

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    Torres chalked up four goals and five assists in 34 league appearances this season.
    The youngster has been particularly impressive in Europe, bagging two goals and two assists in just six Champions League games.
    He is equally adept on either wing and could help City narrow the gap at the top of the table.

    Kalidou Koulibaly receives a warm welcome as he returns to the neighbourhood where he grew up More

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    Man City aim to complete long-term Vincent Kompany replacement with transfer of Sevilla defender Diego Carlos

    MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly hoping to sign Diego Carlos and view the defender as a long-term replacement for Vincent Kompany.
    The Etihad club failed to bring in a new centre-back a year ago despite losing influential captain Kompany.

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    Manchester City are plotting a move to sign Brazilian centre-back Diego Carlos from Sevilla this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    And Pep Guardiola was made to pay for his lack of movement in the transfer window.
    Aymeric Laporte missed large chunks of the campaign through injury while John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi struggled for form, meaning Fernandinho often filled in to the back line.
    But according to The Telegraph, City want to land Carlos from Sevilla.
    They view the 27-year-old as the ideal candidate to fill the void left behind by Kompany – he is quick, athletic, strong and a presence in both boxes.

    He would be cheaper than another target, £75million-rated Kalidou Koulibaly, while relations are tense between City and Napoli following the breakdown of the Jorginho transfer in 2018.
    Brazilian journeyman Carlos – who has also been linked with Real Madrid and Liverpool – signed for Sevilla last year following a three-year stint with Nantes, where he was kicked by a referee in an incredible incident.
    He made 35 LaLiga appearances, scoring two goals, and helped the club finish the season with a 15-match unbeaten run which saw them secure Champions League football.

    Bournemouth’s relegation should knock a fair sum off their asking price for Nathan Ake, another City target.

    Jan Vertonghen, meanwhile, could offer a cheap, short-term alternative to provide cover for Laporte and at left-back following his departure from Spurs.
    David Alaba would be a dream signing for Guardiola but the versatile Austrian is more likely to head to Spain rather than England should he leave Bayern Munich.

    Man City willing to splurge £300M on transfers this summer as they target Ake and Torres to dethrone Liverpool More