Bernardo Silva has hinted he could try and hijack any prospective Manchester United move for Joao Neves by convincing him to join Manchester City instead.

Neves has enjoyed an excellent breakthrough 15 months in his home country with Benfica, playing 38 times for the Portuguese giants since his August 2022 debut. The 19-year-old has seamlessly filled in for last summer's £105million Chelsea-bound defensive midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Such form has understandably attracted interest from Europe's top clubs and United have been linked with a move for the teenager. Media reports have consistently stated that scouts from Erik ten Hag's side have been at The Estádio da Luz and club captain Bruno Fernandes has spoken highly of the young star.

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But speaking at the recent Quinas de Ouro gala, where he and Ruben Dias were honoured for winning the Champions League and treble with City, Silva seemed to suggest he will try and lure Neves to the Etihad.

"I'm very happy for Joao Neves and the kids who are appearing at Benfica and in the national team," Silva said in quotes 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."

Silva was once again linked with a move away from City all summer and the midfielder has made no secret of his desire to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere. But after months of speculation, the 29-year-old instead signed a contract extension that will keep him in the city until 2026.

It sets Silva up for a huge few years in which he can cement his status as one of City's most successful players and also push for European and World Cup glory with Portugal.

"At club level we are trying to create a legacy of one of the best teams in English football," Silva added. "At national team level I have great ambition to one day win a World Cup. I have ambition and desire to help the team with that goal."