Bernardo Silva has advised his compatriot and Benfica midfielder Joao Neves to decline an offer from Manchester United and opt to join Manchester City instead.
Manchester United has shown interest in Neves, a 19-year-old talent, as a significant addition for the upcoming transfer window.
- Man Utd star regrets agreeing to Erik ten Hag request
- Arsenal send message to Napoli over Victor Osimhen summer transfer
- Cristiano Ronaldo named only player he considers GOAT alongside Messi & himself
Despite a previous £51m bid reportedly being rejected, the club is eager to find a successor for Casemiro, who had a challenging season at Old Trafford and is now linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Casemiro’s rapport with Erik ten Hag, the current manager of United, appears to be tense, especially after being omitted from the FA Cup final lineup against Manchester City.
Neves’ contract includes a £105m release clause, but Benfica is said to be open to offers around £85m for the player who is expected to represent Portugal at Euro 2024.
Although Manchester United was initially seen as the frontrunner for Neves’ signature, Silva has encouraged him to consider a move to Manchester City.
Asked about speculation linking Neves with a transfer move to Old Trafford, six-time Premier League winner Silva said: ‘I told him to go to Manchester City!
‘It’s not easy. He’s a player who, due to the success he had last season, has many clubs that want him.
‘As a Portuguese and a player I like, I would like to see him by my side. But I want the best for him.
‘I don’t need to convince him. João Neves is already convincing, with the way he works, with the energy he brings to the game.
‘It will be easy for many clubs to enter the race. Let him make his decision, let it be the best for him. If he continues with this energy, he has a very good future ahead of him.’
Neves is expected to start for Portugal at Euro 2024 with Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes.
While speaking in March, Fernandes insisted the highly-rated youngster was ‘ready’ for a ‘big jump’ to a top European team.
‘I don’t know if United rumours are true, but I know he is ready for that big jump,’ he said.
‘He is an excellent player, he’s with the national team. That’s also why the big clubs are after him.’
But former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic believes it is ‘too early’ for Neves to leave Benfica, a side he also played for.
‘Joao is already at a big club at this point. I’m sure his future at Benfica will be very good,’ Matic said. ‘I think it’s too early to leave, but of course, in the end, it’s always his decision.’
Neves has played 75 games for Benfica – including 55 across the 2023-24 campaign – and is becoming a regular for Portugal with six caps since his international debut last October.
