Liverpool can upset Man City star Bernardo Silva with $129m transfer swoop

Liverpool could upset Manchester City star Bernardo Silva by signing Benfica midfielder João Neves. The Reds have been heavily linked with the player in recent months along with several other clubs across Europe.

Neves, 19, has enjoyed another promising campaign in the top flight of Portuguese football, where he started 27 games and registered three goals and one assist. Liverpool, City and Manchester United have now been credited with an interest in the player, who has also been selected in Portugal's Euro 2024 squad this summer.

According to CM Jornal, Liverpool scouts have watched Neves in action at Benfica and an offer is set to arrive in the 'coming days' for the young talent. It is believed that the Liga Portugal side will demand no less than his $129million (£101m/€119m) release clause, which could prove to be a stumbling block for any interested party.

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Liverpool appears to be leading the race to sign the player as Arne Slot's squad pushes forward with negotiations - which could disappoint City star Silva, who has spoken openly about his ambitions to help bring Neves to the Etihad Stadium. "I am very happy for João and other kids who are appearing in Benfica’s team and also in the national team,’ he said via The Metro.

"João 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 João Neves to go to Man City. I’d like to see João joining City instead of Man United, of course."

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has also claimed he will try and recruit the player, as he added: "It has to be the Man United coach who says whether he has a place or not.

"He’s a great player, I don’t know if he would have a place or not. It depends on the coach and his ideas. But he’s an excellent player and an excellent kid, very professional, he will have a bright future wherever he goes.

"I would love to have him by my side. Because he has quality and will have a bright future. It depends on him. What I want most is the best for him."

Liverpool.com says: Benfica will likely stand by the valuation of the player, which would be a hefty investment for any club. However, with the pursuit of Moises Caicedo last summer, it is clear Liverpool could be willing to part ways with upwards of $100m to sign preferred targets.