Bernardo Silva has encouraged his Portuguese teammate Joao Neves to sign for Manchester City, instead of Manchester United. The 19-year-old Benfica midfielder, has impressed with his performances, and has now attracted interest from top Premier League clubs, including Manchester United. “If I can, I will pull strings for João Neves to go to Man City. I’d like to see João joining City instead of Man Utd, of course!” Silva stated in an interview. Earlier, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes had openly praised Neves, saying that it would delight him to have the performing player join Manchester United. 
Portuguese star Joao Neves – Getty image “I would love to have him at United. But it’s Joao’s choice… He has top quality. He’s a great player, but it depends on the coach’s ideas. He will have a great future, in United or somewhere else.” Despite the interest from both Manchester clubs, Benfica remains keen on keeping Neves, and any potential suitors would need to meet his reported release clause of £105 million. Joao Neves made his international debut alongside Fernandes and Silva for Portugal last month, and has been making waves with style of play since then.
Bernardo Silva with the Champions League trophy. Source: Getty It’s been also gathered that the club is willing to do business provided they receive an offer around the £75m mark. Transfer window specialist Fabrizio Romano has said that the Manchester City right winger is still a prime target for PSG’s sports adviser, even if it will be very difficult to conclude this arrival. He tweeted; “Bernardo Silva remains among the top targets for Paris Saint-Germain. Club is planning for Bernardo move since March — but Man City will ask for important fee. Nothing close yet. PSG director Luis Campos has great connection with Bernardo since he was at Monaco.” Bernardo Silva remains among the top targets for Paris Saint-Germain. Club is planning for Bernardo move since March — but Man City will ask for important fee. Nothing close yet. 🇵🇹 #PSG PSG director Luis Campos has great connection with Bernardo since he was at Monaco. pic.twitter.com/GCodGKC2h7 — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, 2023 Bernardo Silva still has two years of contract with the Cityzens, and with his value being estimated at 80 million euros by Transfermarkt, it will be hard to see the leaders of the English club letting the rhythm of the transfer window and the price of their player be dictated by Paris or another club. There are reports in France that Paris Saint-Germain offered Italy internationals Gianluigi Donnarumma or Marco Verratti to Manchester City for Bernardo Silva. According to Foot Mercato and le10sport, the pair of Italians were put forward as potential part-exchanges in the deal that would’ve brought Bernardo Silva to Paris. 