Barcelona 'accelerate Bernardo Silva pursuit after Ousmane Dembele exit'

Barcelona are reportedly set to increase their efforts to sign Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva.

Last season's La Liga champion are expected to lose the services of Ousmane Dembele, who is closing in on a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Frenchman has reportedly undergone a medical with the Parisians ahead of his proposed €50m (£43.1m) transfer.

With Dembele set to end his six-year association with the club, Barcelona are now turning their attention to new attacking reinforcements.

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona regard Silva as their priority target and are now preparing to step up their pursuit.

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The report claims that club president Joan Laporta, director of football Mateu Alemany and sporting director Deco are all working on a potential deal.

In a separate report, Sport claims that Barcelona are putting together a financial package worth a total of €75m (£64.9m), which would include an initial €65m (£56.2m) fee.

Barcelona's financial situation has made it difficult to pay significant fees, but Dembele's imminent departure will help the club raise funds.

They are also expected to receive €15m (£12.9m) for the sale of midfielder Franck Kessie, who is finalising a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli.

Silva has also attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, but he has made it clear that he wants to complete a move to the La Liga champions.

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Man City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed that he will not stand in the way of a possible departure, but he has insisted that the club are yet to receive a credible offer.

Silva was a key part of a Man City side that won a historic treble last season, registering seven goals and eight assists in 55 games.

Since joining the club from Monaco in 2017, he has made a total of 306 competitive appearances, scoring 55 goals and providing 59 assists.

The 28-year-old is expected to be included in Man City's squad for Sunday's meeting with Arsenal in the Community Shield.