21 November 2023 , 16:03
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Bernardo Silva has admitted he would "put a wedge in" for Manchester City to sign Joao Neves as the latter continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United.
Neves, 19, has excelled since breaking into the Benfica first-team squad at the start of the 2022/23 campaign. The Portugal midfielder made 20 senior appearances last season and was offered a more prominent role in the side following the departure of Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea back in January.
So far this term, Neves has started in each of their first four Champions League group matches and he scored his first goal of the season in a 2-1 victory over Sporting CP before the international break. In fact, United had scouts watching Neves at that game as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his midfield.
Despite this, Silva has hinted he would try and hijack United's potential move for Neves by convincing him to join City instead. "I'm very happy for Joao Neves and the kids who are appearing at Benfica and in the national team," Silva said as reported by Jornal de Noticias. "In the Premier League? Quality players can play in any championship.
"I see him focused on the club, it's the most important thing at the moment. He's very young, with a promising future ahead. He has integrated himself into the national team in the best way possible, another one to help us try to win the European Championship if the selector thinks so. If I can, I'll put a wedge in for him to go to Manchester City, of course I would."
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Meanwhile, former Benfica midfielder and current Al-Nassr boss Luis Castro admitted Neves is "complete" and claimed he would be able to play in any league in world football. Neves came off the bench in both of Portugal's recent fixtures against Liechtenstein and Iceland.
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Man United have been scouting Joao Neves this season (Getty Images)Castro told O Jogo, via Sport Witness: "He will be worth much more than €25million (£21.7m). He can play in any championship in the world. He's a complete and very intelligent player. The Premier League is the best league in the world, and not only would he be able to adapt, but he would also play and shine.
"Knowing Joao, I think he is not worried about the next step but about the next game. He had good training at Benfica, but at a family level he also had a lot of support. He is very focused. I believe that if and when he takes the leap he will be prepared."