Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva has admitted that he’s willing to personally involve himself in the deal to make Benfica star Joao Neves choose Man City over Man United.

The 19-year-old Portuguese is enjoying a breakout year with Benfica, replacing Enzo Fernandez who made a £105million move to Chelsea in January, and has become a key member of Roger Schmidt’s midfield.

Manchester United have shown interest in the teenager prior to the international break where he scored an injury-time equaliser in a derby victory over Sporting Lisbon, and are keen on signing him, with United captain Bruno Fernandes endorsing the move last week.

However, Bernardo Silva has admitted that he will do his part to lure the midfielder in joining him and Ruben Dias at City.

He said: “I am very happy for João and other kids who are appearing in Benfica’s team and also in the national team, Silva said during an appearance at a gala event in Lisbon.

“Joao Neves in the Premier League? I think that players with quality can play in any championship. I see him very focused on his club, which is the most important thing at the moment, a very young player but with a very promising future ahead of him.

“He arrived at the national team, settled in and integrated very well. He’s another one to help, if the coach thinks so, to help us help win the European Championship.

“For City instead of United? If I can, I will pull strings to Joao Neves to go to Man City. I’d like to see João joining City instead of Man United, of course.”