Chicago Fire ready to battle European giants for Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, 32, when he becomes a free agent this summer

Chicago Fire have thrown their hat into the ring to sign Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.

The ambitious MLS outfit have also pitched for Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski. Both players are free agents in the summer and attracting plenty of interest.

Silva, 31, has been an outstanding servant to City and has stayed in recent seasons despite having interest from big clubs across Europe.

He will be 32 in August but with his level of performances, he is again attracting interest from Barcelona and other top sides in Europe as well as Saudi Arabia because of his free-agent status.

With Pep Guardiola‘s future again under focus, it seems an ideal time for Silva to look at a new challenge.

Chicago have sounded out Lewandowski, who is open to a move to the States, and they are understood to have held discussions with Silva’s representatives also. Talks have centred around a three-year deal with figures of up to $12m (£8.9m) a year.

With the World Cup approaching this summer, the MLS is looking to capitalise commercially on attracting big names while continuing to help the growth of the game at grassroots level.

Drawing the calibre of players such as Lewandowski or Silva would represent a big coup for the organisation.

The ambition is not just aimed at experienced players as Toronto look to bring back Josh Sargent from Norwich City and Charlotte FC wait on a decision over Harvey Elliott’s loan at Aston Villa.

Atlanta United have also asked about West Ham’s Argentine midfielder Guido Rodriguez.