Manchester City could trigger £51M release clause to sign Liverpool target, leaving the Reds emptyhanded and redfaced

Barcelona's move for Bernardo Silva could see Liverpool miss out on their £50M target, according to the latest reports from Spain.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Sporting's Matheus Nunes, but they aren't the only club interested.

With Silva's potential move picking up pace, it could see City look to move for a midfield replacement.

That replacement could come in the form of Liverpool target Nunes should Silva leave.

Latest reports on Silva

According to FanNation, Barcelona are continuing their pursuit of Bernardo Silva, and are set to try and offload a player to finance a move for the midfielder.

According to Roger Torello, Barcelona are ready to sell Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in order to finance a move for Manchester City's Bernardo Silva.

"If I stay, I'm very happy and I will always respect this club and give all my best.

"If not, it's football and we'll just see what happens.”

What if City sign Nunes?

City will no doubt move for a midfielder if Silva goes, given just how important the Portuguese midfielder has been for them over the years; he even totalled 50 appearances last season.

Liverpool are reportedly close to making an offer, with the Portuguese club holding out for someone to pay his release clause of £51M.

Allowing City to sign the midfielder could all but guarantee the title whilst also leaving Liverpool shortchanged with an ageing and injury-prone midfield with no other viable options on the market as of right now.