Manchester City have reportedly offered Bernardo Silva a new contract at the Etihad Stadium. 

The Lowdown: Silva previously linked with exit

The midfielder was heavily linked with a move away from the Manchester club during the previous summer transfer window.

Despite links to Barcelona, Silva, who is currently involved in the World Cup with Portugal, ended up staying with Pep Guardiola's side.

With domestic football on hold to make way for the tournament in Qatar, it seems as though some behind-the-scenes movement has been made at City regarding Silva.

The Latest: City offer Silva a new contract

According to a recent report from Football Insider, the Citizens have offered Silva a new contract to keep him at the club after Guardiola recently extended his stay at the Etihad.

The report also adds that this proposed deal with the Portuguese international is believed to be worth more than £40 million in total.

The Verdict: A smart move from City

Since joining the Manchester club from AS Monaco back in 2017, the midfielder has scored 50 goals and provided 56 assists in 273 appearances across all competitions.

In the Premier League, only three outfield City players have racked up more minutes than Silva this season, which shows how important he is to Guardiola and the team.

Across his 14 league appearances, the 28-year-old has scored two goals and delivered five assists, leaving only Kevin de Bruyne (9) with more assists.

Then from a defensive point of view, only Joao Cancelo (45) and Rodri (40) have a higher combined total of tackles and interceptions than Silva (29).

Having been praised for his "phenomenal" performances for City in the past by journalist Henry Winter, it's safe to say that the midfielder is an integral player for the club.

Taking all of this into account, it's easy to see why the club are looking to tie Silva down to a new contract and keep him in the squad, which we feel would be a very smart move.