Barça hopeful of raiding Man City midfield and more transfer rumours

Barcelona would still like to sign Manchester City duo Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gündogan, but the duo are not easy signings to get over the line.

Barcelona’s interest in Silva has been well documented but the La Liga leaders are also reportedly interested in a fellow teammate, too.

Silva’s father admitted earlier this season that his son and Barcelona had held discussions over a possible move before it was mutually called off. The midfielder is expected to be the subject of enquiries again in the summer although Pep Guardiola is supposedly keen to retain the playmaker’s services.

According to Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Barcelona are hopeful of raiding Manchester City for midfielders Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan.

It’s been claimed that they are ‘desired’ by the Spanish club’s management as they look to improve the squad next month, but both of them would ‘difficult’ to get over the line.

The Spanish club’s financial situation means a January swoop would be unlikely but Xavi is wanting to sound out whether a double attack for both players could be monetarily feasible.

What seems clear is that several current Nou Camp stars would have to leave before any arrivals come in. The club is also said to realise that trying to lure both Silva and Gundogan will be tough tasks.

Elsewhere, Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews reports that Manchester City are set to rival Inter Milan to sign Giorgio Scalvini, with European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Liverpool all keen on his signature.

The young defender has emerged as one of the outstanding players in his position in Serie A this season, and is proficient at playing in a back three defensive system.

Scalvini made his debut for Atalanta aged just 17 and is already considered one of the best young Italian defenders, earning a call up to Roberto Mancini’s senior side and a debut in June.

And with the teenager’s rising profile, he is expected to demand Champions League football – a guarantee Atalanta cannot provide, with a slow start to the season leaving them sixth in Serie A.