Pep: Silva one of several players hoping to leave Man City

Bernardo Silva is hoping to leave Premier League champions Manchester City in the near future, according to Pep Guardiola.

The Portuguese playmaker made 26 league appearances last season as City lifted the title with 86 points.

He also featured 13 times in the Champions League, scoring one goal, as they reached the final of the competition.

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But it seems Silva is wanting to leave the Etihad to become a key player elsewhere.

When asked about Silva leaving the club this summer, Guardiola said: “Not just Bernardo, there are two, three, four players who want to leave but they are our players under contract and when they bring some offers and want to leave, we are open to discuss for absolutely everything with all the players in the squad.

“But it depends on them and otherwise they continue to train and I decide if they play or don’t play.”

Guardiola has a host of attacking options, including Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and Ferran Torres.

Add to that new signing Jack Grealish, and it’s clear to see why Silva believes his position is under threat.

The 26-year-old signed a long-term contract when joining from Monaco in July 2017.

His terms run until 2025, which means City have no obligation to sell unless a substantial offer is made.

They spent £45million to bring him to England and will want to recoup pretty much all of that sum.

Spanish giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are keen admirers.

Barca are unlikely to submit a significant bid given the fact they have just lost Lionel Messi due to financial constraints.

Atletico, however, could come calling if they sell Saul Niguez to Manchester United or Liverpool.

Silva has made over 200 appearances for City in four years, scoring 35 goals and assisting 44 more.

He’s picked up an impressive trophy haul which includes three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, four EFL Cups and two Community Shields.

He has the chance to make it three Community Shields on Saturday when City face Leicester at Wembley.

Guardiola also provided an update on City’s pursuit of Harry Kane.

He said: “He is a player for Tottenham Hotspur and if Tottenham don’t want to negotiate, it is finished.

“I think Man City and many clubs in the world want to try to sign him, we are not an exception, but it depends on Tottenham.”