Manchester City Treble winner ‘on the verge’ of completing Saudi transfer

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    Manchester City hero Bernardo Silva is reportedly close to swapping a Treble winning season for playing in Saudi Arabia – at the age of 28.

    The Portugal International has been linked with a move to the Middle East after Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante followed in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo by joining the Saudi Pro League.

    Silva, who could be on the lookout for a new challenge after his triple trophy haul, had been linked with a move to Barcelona despite having two more years on his contract at the Etihad.

    However, an update earlier the week revealed that Silva was the subject of Saudi interest as several Chelsea stars near moves of their own.

    READ MORE: Ilkay Gundogan's hot WAG who hates Manchester set to party with ace Barcelona bound

    Spanish outlet Marca now report that a deal is 'on the verge' of competition, which could change the status of transfer targets for Saudi clubs.

    Ronaldo and Benzema may have headed to Saudi at the end of their careers, but league bosses want to rival the Premier League with statement signings at the peak of their powers.

    Kante, 32, is set to be joined by Hakim Ziyech, 30 and Edouard Mendy, 31 among others, with Wolves captain Ruben Neves, 26, also nearing a switch.

    What do you make of the Saudi transfer plan? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.

    The Marca report adds that the move for Silva could be a serious warning to Premier League sides, with Saudi's Public Investment Fund recently taking over at four clubs in their national division.

    Ilkay Gundogan is another Treble winner set to leave City, at the end of his contract in July, with Pep Guardiola facing a midfield overhaul.

    The Spanish boss said back in April: "Bernardo is a football player, he can play everywhere because he understands the game perfectly and every action with and without the ball.

    "Bernardo has the ability to read the positions, give us an extra pass. He’s so important in these types of games, he can play holding midfielder.

    "He’s so, so important player and lately he’s scoring goals, which he lacked a little bit, now he’s being decisive.

    "He’s one of the best players I ever trained in my life, ever, he’s something special as a football player."

    • Manchester City FC
    • Premier League

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