Bernardo Silva says he will ‘try pull some strings’ to get Benfica starlet Joao Neves to join Manchester City over Manchester United.
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Neves, 19, is enjoying a breakout year with the Portuguese giants, stepping into replace Enzo Fernandez following his £105million move to Chelsea in January and becoming a key member component of Roger Schmidt’s midfield.
United have scouted the teenager on a number of occasions, most recently in the derby victory over Sporting Lisbon prior to the international break where he scored an injury-time equaliser.
The Premier League giants have reportedly been left convinced over Neves’ potential with United captain Bruno Fernandes endorsing the move last week.
City star Silva has other ideas, suggesting he will do his part to try and convince Neves to join him and Ruben Dias in the blue half of Manchester.
‘I am very happy for João and other kids who are appearing in Benfica’s team and also in the national team,’ Silva said during an appearance at a gala event in Lisbon.
‘Joao Neves in the Premier League? I think that players with quality can play in any championship. I see him very focused on his club, which is the most important thing at the moment, a very young player but with a very promising future ahead of him.
‘He arrived at the national team, settled in and integrated very well. He’s another one to help, if the coach thinks so, to help us help win the European Championship.
‘For City instead of United? If I can, I will pull strings to Joao Neves to go to Man City. I’d like to see João joining City instead of Man United, of course.’
United star Fernandes began the charm offensive last week, admitting he would love the opportunity to play alongside Neves at Old Trafford.
‘It has to be the Man United coach who says whether he has a place or not,’ Fernandes said.
‘He’s a great player, I don’t know if he would have a place or not. It depends on the coach and his ideas.
‘But he’s an excellent player and an excellent kid, very professional, he will have a bright future wherever he goes.
‘I would love to have him by my side. Because he has quality and will have a bright future. It depends on him. What I want most is the best for him’.
MORE : Benfica have no intention of selling Man Utd target Joao Neves in January with huge release clause revealed
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