Man City star Silva to ‘pull strings’ to block Joao Neves to Man Utd transfer
Manchester City star Bernardo Silva is keen to block Joao Neves’ potential move to Manchester United. The Portugal ace would instead like to see his international team-mate join him at the Etihad.
United have scouted Neves on numerous occasions this season amid his growing reputation across Europe. The 19-year-old midfielder is already a regular for Benfica and has burst into the Portugal side in the last month.
Fellow Portugal star Bruno Fernandes has already stated that he would love Neves to move to United. But club rival Silva is keen to prevent that from happening.
Portugal beat Iceland 2-0 in their final Euro 2024 qualifier on Sunday. Silva has since been asked about Neves and has told B24PT: “If I can, I will pull strings to Joao Neves to go to Man City instead of United, of course.”
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Neves made his debut for Benfica last December and has already played 38 times. The teenager, who turned 19 in September, has started eight league matches this season as well as all four of Benfica’s Champions League group games to date.
Only over the weekend did Fernandes outline his wish for Neves to move to United, although he admitted it would be down to Erik ten Hag whether that would happen. He told Sport TV Portugal: “I would love to have him at United, he has top quality! But it’s Joao’s choice.
“He’s great player but it depends on the coach’s ideas! He will have a great future, in United or somewhere else.”
Benfica, though, currently have no intention to sell Neves. In August he signed a new contract through to the summer of 2028.
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Fabrizio Romano also claims Neves has a release clause in his contract worth around £105million. That figure is the same amount Chelsea paid Benfica for World Cup-winning midfielder Enzo Fernandez last January.
Romano says United have scouted Neves ‘many times’. But it appears he will cost them a pretty penny if that turns into serious transfer interest.
United would have to splash out a club-record fee to land Neves if Benfica refuse to accept an offer lower than his release clause. At £105m, Neves would also become City’s most expensive signing of all time if he followed Silva’s lead.
Jack Grealish currently holds that accolade following his switch from Aston Villa in 2021. City have already signed a Portugal midfielder this year, bringing in Matheus Nunes from Wolves for £53m.
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