Portugal’s attacking midfielder, Bernardo Silva, has publicly voiced his preference for his international teammate, Joao Neves, to join him at Manchester City rather than accept a move to Manchester United.
Reports indicate that Manchester United have been actively pursuing Neves, identifying him as a key target for the summer transfer window. Despite their interest, the Red Devils have faced setbacks in their attempts to secure the Benfica star, with a recent bid of £51 million being rejected.
Manchester United’s pursuit of Neves comes as they seek to bolster their midfield options, particularly in light of Casemiro’s underwhelming performance in the previous season.
Although Neves boasts a release clause of £105 million, Benfica may be willing to entertain offers in the region of £85 million for the 22-year-old talent.
In response to the speculation surrounding Neves’s potential move to Manchester United, Bernardo Silva openly expressed his desire for his compatriot to choose Manchester City instead. Silva emphasized his personal wish to have Neves as a teammate, while also stating his support for Neves’s decision, emphasizing that he wants the best for him.
Silva’s remarks highlight the friendly competition between the two Manchester clubs in the transfer market and underscore the significance of personal connections in influencing players’ decisions amidst transfer negotiations.