Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirms ambition to sign Bernardo Silva from Man City

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has outlined his intentions to sign Bernardo SIlva from Manchester City.

Laporta unveiled new signing Ilkay Gundogan on Monday after the German declined a new contract offer from City to make the move to Barcelona. Gundogan himself deflected a question on Barcelona's public interest in Bernardo at his press conference, and it was Laporta who was asked about the Portuguese on Tuesday.

Footage shows Laporta in a car being asked by fans whether Barcelona will sign Bernardo, with his short reply outlining his intentions to make a move happen.

However, with Bernardo having two more years on his City contract, the Blues will place a significant asking price on their number 20, and Barcelona's well-publicised financial issues would seemingly prohibit them from affording the transfer.

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When asked if Barcelona would sign Bernardo, footage from Soc Blaugrana shows Laporta saying: "I would like to now".

Despite Barcelona looking to be priced out of the deal, reports in Spain suggest they could look to offer a swap deal in order to land Bernardo.

Asked about Bernardo on Monday, Gundogan said: "He is an incredible player, I think he has many qualities to be a high-level player but he has a contract with City, so I can say little."

The Manchester Evening News are producing a special 48-page 2023/24 season preview to look at what the new campaign could hold for Manchester City.

Our 48-page 2023/24 campaign preview guides you through the main talking points and analysis as the Blues go for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title. The Champions of Europe will compete for seven trophies this time around.

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