Pep now 'fighting’ to keep ‘one of the best players in the world’ at Man City - Romano

According to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is fighting to keep star attacker Bernardo Silva at the Etihad this summer.

In an interview with The Times (via Sports Illustrated), the 27-year-old revealed that he wanted to leave Man City last summer due to a desire to live closer to his family, having claimed that he “was feeling a little bit alone at the time in England”.

Silva reiterated that his decision was purely for personal reasons, rather than it being football-related, as he loves playing for the Manchester outfit, but he has once again been linked with an exit this year.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (via Sports Illustrated), Barcelona are interested in signing Silva this summer. With their ongoing financial struggles, it is understood that the La Liga giants could offer Frenkie de Jong as part of a potential swap deal.

Taking to Twitter, Romano has now shared the latest news on Silva’s future with the Premier League champions.

“Pep was the one who changed Bernardo’s mind last summer when he wanted to leave the club – he’s still fighting to keep BS at Man City.”

Whilst City are known to rotate through options due to their heavy squad depth, the Portugal international has become a staple in Guardiola’s XI, having made 35 appearances in the Premier League this season.

When compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, it is easy to see why Sky Blues teammate Gabriel Jesus hailed the 27-year-old as “one of the best players in the world right now”.

According to FB Ref, Silva ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive carries, touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes received.

Therefore, it is no wonder that the Catalan boss