Manchester City line up new contract for £100 million-valued star

Manchester City’s new contract to Bernardo Silva could include a release clause amid continued transfer interest in the midfielder.

The 29-year-old looks set to stay at the Etihad Stadium despite another turbulent transfer window in relation to the future of the midfielder, after both Paris Saint-Germain and Saudi Arabia plotted moves for the Manchester City star.

Pep Guardiola was keen to keep hold of Silva following the exits of both Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez; as well as the major Kevin De Bruyne injury blow suffered against Burnley -sidelining the Belgian international until 2024.

Silva, who featured in 55 matches during the Blues’ treble-winning campaign, missed Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup win over Sevilla in Athens due to illness.

Manchester City beat the Europa League holders 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.

The absence of midfield pair Silva and De Bruyne was noticeable, and Manchester City will be pleased to have retained the 29-year-old for the new season, despite transfer speculation.

The treble-winners value Silva at around £100 million according to Jack Gaughan, as Manchester City prepare an improved contract for the Portugal international.

Four midfielders have sold for north of £100 million during the calendar year; with Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo all completing nine-figure transfers.

A release clause could be inserted within the 29-year-olds new deal, after Silva’s recent desire to leave the club was based on wanting to be closer to his home in Lisbon.

Jack Gaughan further reports that there is ‘growing confidence’ that Silva will pen a fresh deal following a recent breakthrough in negotiations, ending transfer talk around his immediate future.

Silva, who had been subject to an offer from Saudi Arabia, was heavily linked with Barcelona last summer, however a transfer failed to materialise.

To date, the midfielder, who joined the club from AS Monaco in 2017, has won 14 trophies at the Etihad Stadium, including five Premier League titles.

The 29-year-old would become the third Manchester City contract extension of the summer, following new deals for both Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis.