Man Utd get extra De Jong motivation as Xavi puts Barcelona in mix for ‘huge’ Bernardo Silva deal

Barcelona are reportedly keen on signing Manchester City attacker Bernardo Silva, which could impact Manchester United’s Frenkie de Jong chase.

Barca are looking to cement their status as a European giant again following a tumultuous few seasons. Financial issues – fuelled by massive debt – have caused a host of issues across all areas at the club.

But after dropping into the Europa League last season made their situation worse as they struggled in La Liga, Barcelona’s qualification for next term’s Champions League has them back at Europe’s top table.

They now have a number of exciting transfer targets on their radar. Barca head coach Xavi has signed Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen and wants Leeds United’s Raphinha.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, though, Xavi is now also keen on City’s Silva.

Barca recently held a meeting with super-agent Jorge Mendes, who has connections at a number of top European clubs.

And Silva’s name topped the bill in discussions between the representative and the La Liga club. Indeed, Xavi is reportedly a ‘big fan’ of the former Monaco star.

But Man City will set a ‘huge price tag’ for the Portugal international. A move is therefore out of reach for Barcelona – unless they make a major sale.

Barca midfielder De Jong has not hit the heights that inspired his big-money move to Camp Nou from Ajax in 2019.

He has insisted that he wants to remain at Barcelona and Xavi recently claimed that the Dutchman can become one of the best midfielders in the world.

However, he looks to be the major first-team star Barcelona would be willing to sell to secure a potential new signing.

Reports from Spanish outlet El Chiringuito have in fact claimed that Man Utd have had a De Jong bid accepted.

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