Manchester City open contract talks with David Silva

Manchester City have reportedly entered negotiations with David Silva about extending his contract.

The Premier League champions sent a delegation over to Barcelona to meet with the Spanish international's advisers, the Daily Mail reports.

Silva, who joined City from Valencia in 2010, has two years remaining on his current deal.

Elsewhere, Mario Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola has moved to downplay reports linking the striker with a move to Italian giants Juventus.

"Italian football's economic situation means that at the moment top players can't come to Italy," he said.

City boss Roberto Mancini is keen to strengthen his squad over the summer, with Arsenal's Robin van Persie at the top of his shopping list.