Manchester City could make a deal with Bernardo Silva to allow him to leave the club next summer, but the Portuguese star won't be sold in January according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Why would Silva and Manchester City part ways?

Bernardo Silva was strongly linked with a move out of Manchester in the summer, as Barcelona made the midfielder one of their top targets.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

Silva, described as "irreplaceable" by manager Pep Guardiola, is said to be interested in the move and had instructed his agent to secure an exit from the Etihad as was 'unsettled' in England and looking to move back nearer Portugal.

However, the transfer never materialised down to the Catalan's delicate financial situation, and City were able to convince the £150,000-a-week Portuguese international to stay at the club.

Now Spanish publication Sport are reporting that Barca could be back in for the 28-year-old in January, qith the sudden retirement of Gerard Pique freeing up some of the club's salary budget.

What does Jones say about Silva's possible exit?

Transfer insider Dean Jones thinks that City may have reached an agreement with Silva in the summer that would see him leave the club in 2023, but it's unlikely to be during the winter window.

Jones told GIVEMEPSORT: "Bernardo is one of those players that you can rely on and you can almost make an agreement that if this happens, then maybe it can happen next summer. But I just can't see Bernardo leaving halfway through the season."

Is Bernardo Silva a Manchester City legend?

Silva signed for Man City from Monaco in the summer of 2017 after impressing for the French side during City's Champions League clashes.

In his six seasons in Manchester, the midfielder has won four Premier League titles, four League Cups, an FA Cup and helped club reach the 2021 Champions League Final.

However, it's been his ability to play in a number of positions for Pep Guardiola's side that has likely seen him become one of the Spanish manager's 'go to guys' during his successful reign at the Etihad.

Last season was another standout campaign for Silva, netting 13 goals and racking up seven assists across his 50 appearances for the club in all competitions.

There's no question if the midfield star were to leave the club next year, he would go down as one of City's most successful signings and be looked upon as a key member of their dominance over the Premier League.