Reports: Real Madrid keen on signing €80 million-rated Manchester City star

What's the story?

Real Madrid are willing to spend big in the summer transfer window. The Los Blancos have failed to replace Cristiano Ronaldo since his departure to Juventus last summer. As a result, the Spanish giants are suffering in the LaLiga, with FC Barcelona leading the table. Real Madrid are currently seven points off the Catalans, who have a game in hand.

According to the English outlet, Mirror, the Galacticos are planning a summer swoop for Manchester City midfielder, Bernardo Silva. Along with Eden Hazard, the Portuguese midfielder has become one of their favourites on their summer wish-list.

The report also says that Guardiola values the Portuguese midfielder at £70 million, an amount Madrid wouldn't mind splashing to get their man.

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Since making his €50 million move from AS Monaco 18 months ago, the Portuguese has impressed under Pep Guardiola. The Spanish tactician has been an admirer of the 24-year-old and believes that he'll be a long-term successor of the main playmaker David Silva.

The heart of the matter

Real Madrid have seen an unusual downfall in their performances since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. Apart from that, the Los Blancos are dealing with multiple injuries in their squad and have to rely on their academy players to cover for the injured ones.

Without doubting his abilities and quality, Vinicius Jr is just a boy who is into the first season of his European football. He needs some time to settle in and lead the attack for the club of Real Madrid's stature.

Luka Modric, the 33-year-old playmaker is into the latter stages of his career and Manchester City's Bernardo Silva would be a perfect fit to replace the Croatian, a top-quality playmaker.

The Portuguese midfielder has scored five goals and set up another six in the 21 Premier League appearances he has made, so far.

Bernardo's gameplay has flourished under Guardiola and has attracted many European elites, including Real Madrid, who believe that Silva could be an asset for their team's future.

Rumour rating: 7/10

It looks unlikely that Pep Guardiola would let Bernardo leave the Etihad. However, if Real Madrid comes calling, it's hard for the player to refuse and the Portuguese might be on his way to the Bernabeu, next summer.

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What's next?

With a recent 2-0 victory over Sevilla, Real Madrid occupy the third spot in the La Liga table. As of now, it looks highly unlikely that an elite player would make a switch in this window.

However, with the summer approaching, Real Madrid might be forced to pull some of their greatest deals in recent history.