Manchester City ace Bernardo Silva admits they must beat Manchester United to the signing of Joao Neves.
United captain Bruno Fernandes has declared hope of signing the Benfica midfielder.
But Bernardo has countered, stating their Portugal teammate must choose champions City.
He told B24: "If I can, I will pull strings to Joo Neves to go to Man City.
"I'd like to see Joo joining City instead of Man Utd, of course!"
Neves' contract at Benfica carries a 105m buyout clause.