Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has praised his Portugal teammate Joao Neves.

The Benfica star impressed playing for his country during the international break. However, he has been heavily linked with a transfer to rivals Manchester United and, when asked about the teenager, Silva said he would like the Cityzens to sign him instead:

“If I can, I’ll make a move for João Neves to go to Man City instead of Man United, of course.”

Fans on X had a mixed reaction to Silva’s comments, with some questioning whether Neves is really worth his sky-high price tag:

Agent Bernardo

— Linden (@MCFCLinden_19) November 21, 2023

The fees 🥴

— A God enobushwahla (@LusandaQhudeni) November 21, 2023

Bring him.💙

— KDB×Joško🥷🏾 (@SiRRJosko17) November 21, 2023

A player wants another talented player to Join the biggest club imagine my shock 🤯🤯🤯🤯

— @junior (@Burish5) November 21, 2023

Bernardo Silva 💙

— Rakesh (@KingkeviN86) November 21, 2023

Agent bernardoo

— Dinai (@TheKingofKippax) November 21, 2023

Neves’ release clause is very high

Benfica have certainly protected their asset by ensuring that he has a hefty €120m (£105m) buyout clause in his contract. If City were prepared to pay it, it would break their transfer record.

Based on Neves’s performances for club and country, though, it is not a price worth paying at the moment. The midfielder has only mustered up 2 goals and 2 assists in 38 first-team appearances for Benfica so far.

City may be looking to replace Kalvin Phillips

With the England international likely to be on his way out of the Etihad Stadium when the transfer window reopens in January, the Manchester club could be on the lookout for a new midfielder.

However, there are likely to be plenty of names higher on the list of options than Neves, even though Silva clearly rates the 19-year-old very highly.

Watch our pundits discuss the latest Manchester City and Manchester United news on Shots!TV here