Manchester City target Joao Neves has seen his stock rise higher, with the midfielder being named the best young player in the Portuguese league for October and November.
In recent times, it has been suggested that City have been leading the race to sign the talented Benfica youngster.
With Kalvin Phillips set to leave the club in January, it is possible that City could move for Neves in the next window or next summer.
He is a player Bernardo Silva would like to see at the Etihad, with the maestro stating recently that he would attempt to sell the City project to his fellow countryman.
It remains to be seen if something will happen, but there’s no doubt Neves is thriving right now…
Manchester City target Joao Neves wins Young Player of the Month for October and November
Over in the Portuguese top-flight, Neves is continuing to impress.
The 19-year-old has now been named the best young player in the competition for October and November, with the distinction being awarded by the Players Union.
He gathered 17.09% of the votes and beat out Rodrigo Gomes from Estoril (14.2%) and his teammate from Benfica António Silva (11%).
Neves played four games, including three as a starter. His highlight came against Sporting CP, when he scored a 93rd-minute equaliser. Benfica then went on to find a late winner.
The award of Best Young Player is given out based on average scores by sports newspapers, ‘as well as the choices of a Technical Committee made up of former players’ according to Poste.
Poste report that Neves ‘has shown maturity and quality on the pitch’ and that this award ‘cements his position as a talented young midfielder in Portuguese football’.
Neves looks a special young talent
Neves looks to be the latest top young talent emerging at Benfica, a club renowned for producing players who go on to become top stars in the game.
He is still only 19 years old, but Roger Schmidt has handed him 24 appearances already this season across all competitions, and he played every single minute of Benfica’s Champions League campaign.
It is going to be very interesting to see if he is a player City make a move for.
Phillips is all set to leave next month, and it would make sense for the club to sign a younger player as back-up for Rodri, who has the potential to emerge as a starter in the years to come.
But Neves is thought to have a £103 million release clause, so City may find that a deal will not come cheap.
