Star to seek exit with Man City likely to succeed in Grealish transfer pursuit
Bernardo Silva could push for a move to Spain after it was revealed that Aston Villa are likely to accept Manchester City’s bid for Jack Grealish.
Man City made a big move in their pursuit of Aston Villa playmaker Grealish on Friday. Various sources reported that they put a £100m bid on the table. If accepted, it would make Grealish the most expensive Premier League signing of all-time and the first to break the nine-figure barrier.
Pep Guardiola is a big admirer of the 25-year-old and now hopes Villa will accept the offer his club have presented. Grealish has become their top target after striker Harry Kane proved too expensive, forcing them to look at other areas of their squad.
Villa have been planning for a season ahead that will include Grealish. They are willing to offer him another new contract to raise his wages even further – potentially to £200,000 per week, as per the Daily Star – but City’s opening bid may force them to reflect.
Now, according to Sky Sports, Villa are expected to accept City’s offer for their club captain. They have not yet formally responded, but will let the player decide.
Previous reports from the Manchester Evening News have indicated that Grealish is still torn over whether to join the champions or stay with his boyhood club. But making the move would allow him to play European football and may boost his England chances.
Therefore, with the transfer looking more likely, some current City players could consider their futures. Not only may the club need to balance the books after a £100m splurge, some squad members competing for the same position may fear their opportunities diminishing.
That appears to be the case for Silva, who according to the Daily Mail will explore an exit from the club should Grealish arrive.
Silva has been with City since 2017, when he joined in a big-money move from Monaco. Four years remain on his contract, but he only managed 26 Premier League appearances last season. It was the lowest tally of his City career.
With Grealish posing further threat to his chances of getting back on track, Silva may have to seek an exit.
Bernardo Silva wanted in Spain
The Mail claim that he hopes to return to mainland Europe, where Barcelona and Atletico Madrid could battle to take him to La Liga.
Barca have been struggling financially, so it remains up for question how they could fund a move. If they were to get him, though, he would follow former teammates Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia.
Atletico, on the other hand, are in a slightly healthier position thanks to winning the La Liga title. Thus, Silva could have a couple of options open up to him imminently.
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As per the report, Grealish’s move should be completed by next week. He will earn upwards of £200,000 per week at the Etihad Stadium. In the process, Pep Guardiola will allow one first-team player to leave.
It looks increasingly likely that the man to make way will be Silva.
READ MORE: Pundit claims Kane signing could ‘kill’ Man City, namechecks £40m alternative
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