Real Madrid are in advanced talks to sign Bernardo Silva, with the club now the frontrunner to land the 31-year-old midfielder following his departure from Manchester City, according to sources. Neither Barcelona nor Atletico Madrid plan to improve their existing offers for the 107-time Portugal international.

Jose Mourinho, whose appointment as Real Madrid head coach was confirmed Thursday, is considered a significant factor in Silva's decision. During negotiations with the club, Mourinho specifically requested a creative midfielder among several positional additions, with Silva seen as the ideal fit for that role.

Silva ended a nine-year tenure at Manchester City this summer after 460 appearances. During that time he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five Carabao Cups and the 2022-23 Champions League. He originally joined City from Monaco in 2017.

Real Madrid are also pursuing free agent defender Ibrahima Konate, who has left Liverpool, and Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries. The moves align with Madrid's recent transfer strategy of targeting players whose contracts have expired, a policy that previously delivered Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba.

Mourinho's wishlist presented to club officials also included a backup right-back, a left-back to challenge Alvaro Carreras and a dominant center-back. Further signings are expected before the summer window closes.

Silva is currently with Portugal's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.