Bernardo Silva "focused" on Manchester City amid Barcelona interest

Although Silva has been linked with a move to Barcelona this summer, Pep Guardiola still views the Portugal international as an important player for the Premier League champions.

Commenting on his future, Silva told BBC Sport: "I'm happy. I'm doing my best to help the club. I'm very focused here."

Silva featured as a substitute in City's opening two Premier League games before starting for the first time this season in Manchester City's 3-3 draw against Newcastle United on Sunday.

The 28-year-old played a key role in the six-goal thriller, assisting Ikay Gundogan's opener before scoring the equaliser in the second half.

Speaking after Sunday's contest, Silva said: "It was a very intense game. We started very well. The first 15 minutes were ours.

"My perception on the pitch was that we started attacking too quick. When we start playing like this and it's too quick it's better for the opponents.

"The last 25 or 30 minutes of the first half were very tough. They could have scored more than twice in that time.

"Overall we played quite well but not controlling their counter-attacks and runners. You'll suffer and that's what happened today.

"We knew how tough it is to come here. The atmosphere is great. It's a very physical team. They've been great over the last few months.

"They're in a great state of mind with very positive energy. We should have controlled the game better than we did today.

"We scored the third goal in the 64th minute. It was very early. I'm a bit disappointed we didn't score the fourth, but still a good reaction from the team.

"Not a perfect game but we take the point. It is what it is. Seven points from three games isn't bad."

Silva could play against Barcelona on Wednesday when City travel to Camp Nou to face the Catalan giants in a friendly that will raise money for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research charity.