Manchester City are reported to be shock favourites over Manchester United in the pursuit of AS Monaco star Bernardo Silva, who flew in to Manchester on Thursday.
According to Manchester Evening News, Bernardo Silva has moved ever-closer to securing a move to Manchester. The Portuguese superstar flew in to Manchester from Mallorca on Thursday night amidst reports that the player is set to be Pep Guardiola’s first signing of a busy summer ahead for the city and its footballing giants.
The player has been linked with Manchester United for a while now. But, it is Manchester City who are reportedly the favourites to land the AS Monaco superstar – a report that would send shockwaves at Old Trafford, especially since the player has been widely tipped to join the red half of Manchester.
Bernardo Silva has captured the imagination of Europe with his skills since moving to AS Monaco from SL Benfica in the summer of 2015. The present campaign, though, has seen the 22-year-old shoot into the limelight, with 11 goals and 12 assists thus far.
Monaco’s entire wage bill last season: €82m*
Sale price now being reported in France for Bernardo Silva to Man City: €82m*
*£71.5m today
— Nick Harris (@sportingintel) May 26, 2017
Reports circulating that Man City have won the race to sign Monaco’s Bernardo Silva in a deal worth £70m. Player in Manchester for medical. pic.twitter.com/3ldqmYlwvm
— Arsène’s Son (@hughwizzy) May 26, 2017
Silva was part of the AS Monaco team that ousted Manchester City from the Champions League this season and Pep Guardiola is reported to have taken a keen shine on the 22-year-old. It is tough to see how the club will create space for Silva, though, with the wings occupied by the likes of Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and a few other options as backup.
Manchester United, on the other hand, are in dire need of additions to the wide areas and Bernardo Silva is likely to be the perfect fit at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho is keen to add flair players in attacking areas to go with his footballing philosophy and the 22-year-old is perhaps one of the most enticing prospects at the present moment.
However, the Manchester United boss refuted claims of a potential move for the 22-year-old earlier this week while also adding an air of uncertainty around the rumour. Thus, Silva landing in Manchester might just have more to do with the blue half of the city than red.
Fans of each club will be keeping a keen eye on developments and Bernardo Silva might just be the start of one of the most exciting transfer windows the city has ever witnessed.
