The City star claims he will ‘pull strings’ if necessary to persuade his Portugal teammate to choose the Etihad over Old Trafford.

Bernardo Silva of Manchester City is aiming to derail Manchester United’s rumored pursuit of Portuguese wonderkid Joao Neves.

After a breakout year with boyhood club Benfica and winning his first senior international caps for Portugal, the 19-year-old midfielder has become one of Europe’s most highly-rated young talents.

Such impressive performances have put the brilliant Neves on the radar of numerous heavyweight teams across the continent, with Manchester United apparently interested in his talents and sending scouts to watch him play this season.

United captain Bruno Fernandes fueled the speculation over the weekend by saying he would “love” to see his Portugal teammate move to Old Trafford in the future.

“I would love to have him at Manchester United,” Fernandes told Sport TV in Portugal. “But it’s Joao’s decision… He is of the highest caliber.

“He’s a fantastic player, but it all depends on the coach’s vision.” He will have a bright career, whether at United or elsewhere.”

United are unlikely to be the only high-profile bidder for Neves, with another compatriot, Bernardo Silva, already stating his wish for Manchester City to outbid their cross-city rivals for the teenage phenomenon.

“I am very happy for Joao and other kids who are appearing in Benfica’s team and also in the national team,” Silva stated in a statement this week.

“Joao Neves playing in the Premier League?” I believe that quality players can compete in any championship. I view him as a very young player with a very good future who is really focused on his club, which is the most important thing at the moment.

“When he arrived at the national team, he quickly settled in and integrated.” He’s another player who, if the coach believes in him, can help us win the European Championship.

“For City rather than United?” If I can, I’ll try to persuade Joao Neves to join Manchester City. Of course, I’d like Joao to join City rather than Manchester United.”

However, any club interested in signing Neves will have to pay a significant fee, with transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reporting on Monday that he has a €120 million (£105 million) release clause in his current contract, the same as ex-Benfica teammate Enzo Fernandez before his move to Chelsea last year.

Despite United’s continued interest in Neves, Romano stated that Benfica has no intention of beginning talks in the January transfer window.