Man City become the hunted with PSG prepping mammoth midfielder bid; Guardiola pulls plug on separate move

PSG are plotting a huge bid for Bernardo Silva and are confident he’ll join, while Pep Guardiola has pulled the plug on a separate move, per reports.

The Portuguese playmaker, 28, seems to draw links with moves away every summer. Silva has remained where he is every time, though PSG are confident of succeeding where others failed.

That’s according to the Times who report a lofty £59.1m bid is being readied to test Man City’s resolve.

City reportedly value the midfielder around the £84m mark, meaning PSG’s bid is likely to be rejected.

However, the French powerhouse are deemed ‘confident’ Silva will push for the move if they find common ground over the fee with City.

One factor behind their confidence stems from the fact they’ll reportedly be offering improved personal terms. In reality, that means Silva will be in line for a wage rise.

Barcelona are also hunting Silva’s signature, though their pursuit will be hampered by their financial predicament.

They recently activated their fourth economic lever to free up funds. However, despite that, they’re still yet to register new signing Jules Kounde.

That hiccup is also preventing their move for Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso. Per the Times, PSG will have little trouble beating Barcelona to Silva if he does move.

PSG confidence in Bernardo Silva misplaced?

However, Sky Sports add neither Silva nor his representatives have told City he wants out this summer.

What’s more, City would need to sign a replacement if he goes and there’s less than a fortnight remaining in the window.

Ilkay Gundogan has started both of City’s opening two matches ahead of Silva. However, he remains a key cog in the machine and will always rack up plenty of minutes given City usually go deep on four fronts.

It remains to be seen whether PSG’s confidence is misplaced.

Guardiola abandons separate move

Elsewhere, Sky add Guardiola is unlikely to sign a more high profile left-back following their Sergio Gomez capture.

Man City bid three times for Brighton’s Marc Cucurella earlier this month. All three including the final bid of £40m were rejected.

Instead, Chelsea blew City out of the water and quickly wrapped up a deal worth an initial £55m.

City responded by landing Sergio Gomez from Anderlecht. However, reporting at the time suggested he was viewed as more of a long-term project, rather than someone who can make an immediate impact.

Cucurella alternatives were banded around in the media, such as Raphael Guerreiro and Borna Sosa. But per Sky Sports, City are unlikely to sign another left-back and will make do with Gomez.