Man City ready to offer key star new contract in order to keep European rival at bay and more transfer rumours

Manchester City are reportedly preparing to offer Bernardo Silva a new contract in order to keep Barcelona away from the Portuguese star. 

The midfielder is a key part of Pep Guardiola’s team and is the next priority for the club to tie down to a long-term deal.

The Manchester club renewed the contracts of Phil Foden, Rodri and Riyad Mahrez during the summer and are now ready to add more years to Silva’s, whose current deal expires in 2025.

The new deal would come with a pay rise for the versatile midfielder and according to Football Insider, the whole package could be worth around £46m in total.

This deal would keep any potential suitors away from Silva with Barcelona being big admirers of the Portugal international.

The La Liga giants targeted Silva during the summer window and there have been subsequent reports they will make a fresh move for him in January, states Football Insider.

Elsewhere, Manchester City are considering a sensational move for Newcastle United talisman Bruno Guimaraes.

That’s according to 90mins as relayed by MEN who claims Manchester City, Real Madrid and Chelsea are two other Champions League clubs that have been linked with Guimaraes in recent weeks.

However, the report claim contract talks will begin towards the end of the campaign – with the Magpies hopeful of keeping their prized asset.

Also, Spanish outlet Fichajes claim Real Madrid are weighing up a move for Julian Alvarez. The Argentine’s game time has mainly been restricted to substitute appearances this season but he did start the 1-0 win against Leicester City in Erling Haaland’s absence.

Three non-EU spots have opened up in the Madrid squad as Eder Militao, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior all recently obtained dual citizenship. The report cites Los Blancos president Florentino Perez’s attraction to South American players as another reason for their interest.