Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva isn’t just pulling strings on the pitch – he’s doing his part off it too. With Portugal calling up players to train, Silva has seized the opportunity to recruit his talented compatriot, Benfica’s Joao Neves, to the Etihad.

Neves has been a revelation this season, emerging as a midfield maestro. His arrival at City would be a dream come true for Pep Guardiola, who faces a midfield conundrum. Veterans Kevin De Bruyne and Mateo Kovacic are aging, while the jury’s still out on Matheus Nunes. Neves, on the other hand, looks like the real deal.

Silva, a six-time Premier League winner with City, understands the club’s needs. He knows Neves’ skillset – the pinpoint passing, the tactical intelligence, the tireless work ethic – would be a perfect fit for Guardiola’s system.

City may need to break the bank, but Neves looks like an investment worth making.

Will Silva’s words sway his international teammate? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: Manchester City are all eyes on Joao Neves, and Bernardo Silva is playing the role of chief recruiter.