Manchester United target Bernardo Silva expresses interest in Premier League move

Manchester United have been put on alert after January transfer target Bernardo Silva admitted he would be interested in a move to the Premier League in the future.

The Red Devils were linked with a move for the AS Monaco midfielder at the start of the year, and are said to still maintain an interest in bringing him to Old Trafford. Silva has impressed for the Ligue 1 side this season and has played an important role in helping return to the top of the league and make the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The Portugal international has scored nine goals and assisted a further 10, which has piqued interest from clubs across Europe. Apart from the Red Devils, Premier League rivals Chelsea and Spanish giants Real Madrid were linked with moves, and with Silva also showing admiration for the La Liga, they could return and challenge Jose Mourinho's side for the midfielder's services. The Times report that Monaco will expect to receive a fee of around £68.4m ($85.2m) to part with the midfielder.

"For now, I'm feeling very well here in Monaco," Silva was quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News.

"It's my third season in France, but of course all the players want to play in the best leagues. Spain and England are the best, and of course I dream one day to be there."

Silva joined Monaco on a season-long loan in 2014 from his hometown club Benfica, where he had spent his entire career. After impressing in the first-half of the season, the Ligue 1 club bought him on a permanent basis from his former employers for a reported €15.75m (£13.1m).

The Portuguese midfielder has been a regular in the Monaco starting XI since his switch and has credited the Principality club for making him the player he is today. Silva believes the experience of playing with experienced players in the French League and the Champions League has given him the knowhow to adapt to playing at the highest level.

"To play in the Champions League and the French league, it was a huge step.

"I was a little shocked in the beginning because I started to play with (Dimitar) Berbatov, with some amazing players, João Moutinho, Ricardo Carvalho, Anthony Martial, but it was great. It was my first big experience on a big level, so I'll be forever grateful to Monaco," he explained.

"It was here that I learned most of the things that I know about football. To play with the big players with intensity, with strength. I learned that it's not only the technique. You have to be very, very strong, and be concentrated for the full 90 minutes."