Pep Guardiola reveals Bernardo Silva intentions after cheeky Joan Laporta comment

Pep Guardiola has said that he and Manchester City want to keep Bernardo Silva at The Etihad amid interest from Barcelona.

Barca are understood to be keen on a move for Silva, who was instrumental for the champions last term.

Barca head coach Xavi has set his sights on a number of targets and, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Xavi is now also keen on a move for Silva.

What is more, Mundo Deportivo claim Bernardo is rumoured to be chasing a transfer to Catalonia after seeing a deal fall through last summer.

Silva was heavily linked with Barcelona 12 months ago. The Daily Mail claimed Jack Grealish’s arrival would prompt Silva’s departure. But Man City stood firm and Guardiola then made Silva one of his key men.

The player responded with 13 goals and seven assists from a 50-game season – his best so far.

Barcelona will have been watching and Joan Laporta made a cheeky reference to the player on Monday.

Man City will be travelling to Camp Nou for a charity match on August 24 that will help to raise funds for Guardiola’s former assistant Juan Carlos Unzue, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2020.

At a press conference to confirm that friendly fixture, Laporta could not resist namechecking Silva.

Guardiola said: “We will bring all our top players to Barcelona for Unzue’s ALC charity match at Camp Nou.”

Laporta quickly replied: “Bernardo Silva?”

Guardiola laughed and said: “Bernardo Silva… and 10 more.”

Silva is under contract at The Etihad until 2025 and Guardiola has no intention of selling the 27-year-old. But he did leave the door slightly ajar when he said he does not like to keep unhappy players.

“As of today, I think Bernardo will continue at Man City next season. But as I always said, I don’t like to keep players