Man City set to hold talks with unhappy midfielder

Manchester City welcome rivals Manchester United to The Etihad on Sunday, in what looks set to be a fascinating derby.

Pep Guardiola’s side sit one point behind leaders Arsenal at present, while rivals United have recovered from their disastrous start to the season by winning four matches in a row, and now sit fifth in the table.

The Manchester derby has provided its fair share of both drama and excitement over the years, and there’s no reason why this can’t be another classic.

Ahead of the game, it is being reported that City are set to hold talks with one of their unsettled players.

According to The Mail, the Premier League champions are set for talks with Bernardo Silva, who has been heavily linked with a move away from the club over the last year.

Last summer, it was reported that City had given Silva permission to leave the club due to ‘personal reasons’, with Barcelona rumoured to be interested.

Guardiola admitted that, while he was intent on keeping the player at the club, he wouldn’t get in his way if he decided to leave.

City want to clear up any doubt over Silva’s future at the club

The La Liga giants never launched a formal offer, but they did rekindle their interest during the recent transfer window.

Silva, 28, was once again linked with a move to Barcelona this summer but, yet again, the Spanish side failed to make an offer.

Now, City will hold talks with the player to determine whether or not he will attempt to push through a move for a third time at the end of this season.

It is claimed in the report that The Citizens would be prepared to let the midfielder leave for a fee of at least £80 million, although Guardiola’s preference would still be to keep hold of him.

Silva joined City from French side Monaco in 2017 and has since established himself as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders.

As well as lifting four Premier League titles, the Portugal international has also scored 50 goals and provided 54 assists in 261 games for the club.

He has also started this season strongly, registering two goals and three assists in seven league games.

Despite his good form, the player has admitted in recent weeks that, while he ‘loves’ Manchester, he does yearn for life back in Iberia, the report says.

The club are seeking clarity over the player’s current situation, with fellow midfielder Ilkay Gundogan set to be out of contract next summer, which could force them to move for a new signing if Silva also decided he is to depart.