‘Heart is set on leaving’ – BBC pundit drops Man City exit claim involving 43m star

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has his heart ‘set on leaving’ the Premier League champions, according to BBC radio pundit Kevin Campbell.

Despite many murmurs in the summer, the 28-year-old remained at the Etihad and has played a pivotal role in keeping Manchester City relevant in the title race.

Silva has been involved in every game in the Premier League so far. And alongside Kevin De Bruyne, he is one of Pep Guardiola’s trusted lieutenants whom he trusts blindly.

The Benfica academy product arrived in England in 2017 after completing a £43 million deal. And except in the defensive setup, Silva has been deployed all over the place proving his versatility from time to time.

Silva was firmly on the radar of Barca throughout the previous transfer window. He has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona in recent transfer windows to be nearer to his homeland.

Manchester City are set to hold a meeting with Silva during the World Cup break to discuss his future and discover his intentions moving forward, with a decision then set to be made as to whether they tie him down to a new deal or let him go.

Campbell claims City will need to pull out all the stops during negotiations with Silva if they are to have any chance of keeping him.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Arsenal striker said: “Bernardo Silva has been instrumental in what City have done. But it’s Barcelona. In my opinion, it will be a big draw for him.

“If Man City are to keep him around, they’re going to have to really move the goalposts and make him feel special.

“But if they wanted to keep him – why not get this contract sorted out before? This rumour has been going around for the last 18 months. I think that lack of action is pretty ominous.

“He’s been sensational for City and for the Premier League, but I think his heart is set on leaving.”

Silva has registered 50 goals and 56 assists in 273 appearances for City, claiming four Premier League titles, one FA Cup crown and four League Cups along the way.