Just a day after Man City announced a raft of departures from the club including Pablo Zabaleta, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, Willy Caballero and Jesus Navas, Pep Guardiola is making moves for his first signing of the summer.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Monaco playmaker Bernardo Silva flew into Manchester on Thursday night.
The Portuguese had also been linked with a move to Man Utd but is reportedly having a medical at Man City today.
Silva made 50 appearances in all for Monaco this season, scoring 10 goals and also providing 10 assists, as his side won Ligue 1 and were knocked out at the semi-final stage of the Champions League.
Bernardo Silva's Ligue 1 season by numbers:
926 passes
70 take-ons
60 chances created
60 shots
9 assists
8 goalsSuperb technician. ? pic.twitter.com/vPSCM7R3g5
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 26, 2017
Reports in France had the fee for Silva at around £71.5 million, a number which would have broken Man City's transfer record, the £54.5 million they paid Wolfsburg for Kevin de Bruyne.
However, James Robson of the Manchester Evening News reports that the fee for Silva will be closer to £43 million.
Reports in France state price is closer to £70m - but deal is £43m
— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) May 26, 2017
The 22-year-old started his career with Benfica, where he was known as 'Little Messi', before joining Monaco on loan in summer 2014. He would make that move permanent just months later.
