Bernardo Silva vows to help Man City beat Man Utd to transfer target
- Man City and Man Utd both interested in Benfica's Joao Neves
- Portugal teammate Bruno Fernandes revealed admiration of midfielder last week
- Bernardo Silva would prefer he head to the Etihad Stadium
By Sean Walsh
Bernardo Silva has revealed he will try to convince Portugal teammate Joao Neves to join him at Manchester City and turn down the advances of Manchester United.
Neves has quickly announced himself as one of Europe's best young midfielders since breaking into Benfica's first team last year and helping them to the Primeira Liga title. The 19-year-old's fine form has continued into this term and he is being monitored by many of the continent's biggest sides.
90min understands that representatives from Arsenal, Liverpool and United all kept a close eye on Neves during Benfica's late 2-1 win against Sporting CP in the Lisbon derby prior to the November international break, while City are also interested in the midfielder.
Neves has now been capped three times by Portugal after breaking into the senior squad for their October and November internationals.
Midway through the latter international break, United captain and Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes admitted he would like to play alongside Neves at Old Trafford, though this would ultimately be a decision for Erik ten Hag.
"It has to be the Manchester United coach who says whether he has a place in the team or not," Fernandes said at a press conference. "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."
However, Silva has confirmed his intentions to try and convince Neves to head to City instead of United.
Speaking to B24, Silva said: "If I can, I'll make a move for Joao Neves to go to Man City instead of Man Utd, of course!"
Both City and United have boasted strong Portuguese contingents in the recent past. Silva is currently joined at the Etihad Stadium by Ruben Dias and Matheus Nunes, while Diogo Dalot plays alongside Fernandes at Old Trafford.
United also had Cristiano Ronaldo back on their books between August 2021 and November 2022, but the 38-year-old's second spell at Old Trafford ended in acrimonious circumstances after he publicly criticised the club and manager Erik ten Hag in an interview with Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo's contract was mutually terminated five days after the interview's second part aired, allowing him to lead an exodus of high-profile players to the cash-rich Saudi Pro League.
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