Liverpool has already been given Joao Neves transfer verdict by Man City star

Liverpool is prepared to make a huge offer to sign Benfica midfielder Joao Neves this summer, a move which comes with a ringing endorsement from Manchester City star Bernardo Silva.

Neves, 19, has attracted interest from the top European clubs and Benfica attached a $130 million release clause to his contract when handing him an extension last year. Neves is contracted through 2028, allowing Benfica to extract maximum value should they entertain a sale.

The 19-year-old will be one to watch for Portugal at Euro 2024 this summer, but with so many major stars on the roster, there has been a lot of feedback sent to clubs. Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has already claimed that Neves "will go far" in his career, and City midfielder Silva has also said that head coach Pep Guardiola should sign his international teammate.

Manchester United was thought to be leading the race until Liverpool's interest heightened, and Silva was keen to block any potential move from the red half of Manchester. "If I can, I will pull strings to Joao Neves to go to Man City," Silva said via The Metro. "I’d like to see Joao joining City instead of Man United, of course."

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According to Portuguese outlet CM Jornal, Liverpool is ready to make a huge offer to sign Neves, putting City and United on red alert. It could be an interesting locker room during Euro 2024, with major players from Liverpool, City, and United all spending time with Neves.

Jota and Silva have already made their feelings clear, and Ruben Dias will also be backing City. United duo Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot are also on the Portugal roster and may try to convince Neves. The transfer window opens on June 14, and Liverpool has been extremely quiet so far.

The team usually conducts business early, agreeing deals with players in advance so its business goes under the radar. But with changes to the hierarchy and a transition in the head coaching role, the club is taking more time.

Negotiations may also be tougher, as Liverpool slipped up last year when revealing its hand. The club typically completes deals without any fuss but entered a bidding war with Chelsea for midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Liverpool agreed to a $140 million fee with Brighton for Caicedo but was hijacked at the last minute by Chelsea who offered $147 million. Caicedo had a mixed season at Chelsea and Liverpool found value in Wataru Endo, who cost the team $20 million.

But teams are now aware that not only does Liverpool have the money available, it's willing to spend it on a key midfielder. Due to financial fair play and the 115 charges City is facing, they may for once be priced out of triggering Neves' release clause this summer.

United has spent just as much as City in recent years, but with head coach Erik ten Hag on an informal trial with the club, they may be hesitant to buy a major player. Ten Hag's contract runs through 2025, but the ownership changed its mind about firing him this summer, instead giving him a chance next season.