Jose Mourinho sets sights on signing Barcelona midfield target for Real Madrid | OneFootball

Barcelona’s long-standing interest in former Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva has been well documented, with the Portuguese international linked with a move to the club on multiple occasions.

This summer, though, Silva is available on a free transfer, and it looked like negotiations with Barcelona were advanced and that an announcement was imminent.

However, the player delayed his plans until after the World Cup.

Now, according to journalist Alex Rodriguez Sanchez, Jose Mourinho has emerged as a serious contender for the Portuguese midfielder’s signature.

Real Madrid enter the race

Bernardo Silva is a wanted man in the market. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

The veteran coach is set to take over at Real Madrid if Florentino Perez wins the elections, and he is said to have spoken directly to Bernardo.

Mourinho is keen on signing the 31-year-old, while Atletico Madrid and PSG are also lurking. The emergence of the Portuguese manager could be significant.

Few managers around the world possess stronger powers of persuasion than Jose. Add in the Portuguese angle, and there is a real possibility that Bernardo could be tempted.

Barcelona may still hold the advantage

Barcelona remain favourites in Silva chase. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

Despite the growing competition, there are reasons for optimism from a Barcelona perspective.

His agent, Jorge Mendes, has already met with Laporta and Deco, who have tabled a 2+1 contract and a salary of €13m gross for the midfielder.

Bernardo wants to remain in Europe and views La Liga as an attractive destination. It also appears that he holds the Catalan club in high regard.

At 31, Bernardo would bring experience and tactical intelligence to Flick’s team and his versatility would enable the manager to use him in a variety of roles.

For now, though, the decision seems to be on hold, and Barcelona’s pursuit of Bernardo could be one of the stories to watch after the World Cup.