Manchester City and manager Pep Guardiola have been dealt a possible Bernardo Silva worry as some last 48 hour news emerges from Spain.

The Lowdown: Bernardo weighs up 2022 summer move...

The Premier League champions, in an alternate universe, could have lost a crucial star in the most recent summer window with reliable reports claiming that Bernardo would've loved to have joined Barcelona (Fabrizio Romano, via City Transfer Room).

Barca were very keen on signing the Portugal international, with claims stating that he was one of Xavi's top transfer targets, but alas the La Liga giants fell short of City's rumoured £85m transfer demands.

Bernardo then committed his future to the Sky Blues, at least for now, calling the club 'unbelievable' and exclaiming his happiness at Eastlands (via The Athletic).

The Latest: Barca 'have not yet given up' on Bernardo...

However, as news emerged over the last 48 hours, it appears that might not be the end of the saga.

On Friday morning, Sport claimed that Barca 'have not yet given up' on signing the midfielder and 'will return' as soon as they have a chance, with the report going on to reiterate that Bernardo 'wanted' the move.

The Verdict: Worry for Pep?

According to this latest report, Xavi's side were 'willing' to make a real financial effort to sign the 28-year-old and City themselves were open to talks.

Given the player's past desire to make the move, Barca's determination and City's willingness to negotiate, the Spanish side soon coming back in for Bernardo could be a worry for Guardiola.

The City boss has spoken publicly of the 28-year-old's importance to the champions' style of play and how losing the 'irreplaceable' attacker would be a real blow.

Bernardo was one of their players of the season over 2021/22 and has commenced the new campaign in fine fashion, scoring two goals and setting up two others in four league starts (WhoScored).