Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has made a surprising claim regarding Manchester City midfielder Bernando Silva.
The lowdown: Barcelona interest
Spanish giants Barcelona have been extensively linked with a move for Silva this summer, with reports even suggesting that the club are 'confident' of landing the 28-year-old.
Recently, the diminutive Portugal international remained coy on the speculation, committing himself to City where he is 'very happy', whilst also admitting he had 'no idea what’s going to happen' in the future.
Unsurprisingly, Pep Guardiola wants Silva to remain at the Etihad where he is under contract until 2025, however, one pundit has now suggested that the Premier League champions could be open to sanctioning an exit.
The latest: 'Will listen to offers'
Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Leeds United frontman and former BBC Radio show host Whelan claimed that the Citizens 'will listen to offers' for the 70-cap star due to the club's professionalism.
He said: “It could be a turnaround of the old guard at City. They’ve gotten rid of a few players who have been there for a while now and bringing in a fresh, hungry group.
“City will do what is right by the player, and vice versa. I’m sure both parties are open to a transfer. But he’s one of the best in the world – and they won’t be letting him go to a Champions League rival without a massive price tag on his head.
“He deserves that, he’s a special midfield player. Barcelona need to find the money first. If they can, then I’m sure Man City will listen to offers – they’re very professional in the way they go about things.
“I’m sure there’ll have been open-air talks about where all parties stand. Man City do their business very well.”
The verdict: Big money needed
Such is the importance of Silva to Guardiola's plans, it would surely take offers of at least the mooted £80m asking price in order for City to even entertain the possibility of selling their Portuguese superstar.
Last season, Silva - who was hailed a 'genius at work' by reputable statistics source Squawka after a remarkable display against Sporting Lisbon in February - scored 13 times and provided seven assists in 50 appearances across all competitions - highlighting his pivotal role in the side.
Despite only making two fleeting outings from the bench in the league so far this term, the creative ace is unlikely to be sold much later in the window than this without a readymade replacement already lined up and Txiki Begiristain would need to react to act quickly should Whelan's prediction become a reality.
On that note, City have been linked to the likes of Matheus Nunes and Lucas Paqueta, two players that could feasibly replace Silva's squad role in Manchester.