Bernardo Silva considers Kylian Mbappe to be “a superstar” and “would love” to see the Monaco forward join him at Manchester City.
The France international continues to generate plenty of transfer talk, despite opening the new season with the reigning Ligue 1 champions.
Man City Highest Scoring PL Team - 5/4
Goal understands that City have held discussions regarding a possible deal, in the hope of fending off advances from La Liga giants Real Madrid, but all suitors are reluctant to meet a €160 million asking price.
Silva has already been the subject of a big-money deal this summer, having traded Monaco for Manchester, and the Portugal international is open to the idea of a former team-mate treading a similar path.
He told reporters after helping City to a 3-0 friendly victory over West Ham in Reykjavik: “I haven't spoken to Mbappe – but he is a great player as well.
Playing Surface
“I would love to have him here – and you never know – but that is for City to decide.
“He can be a superstar – in fact, I think he is already a little bit of a superstar.
Mbappe City meeting amuses Mendy
“He is a great player to play with because he is so intelligent with his movement. It is perfect to have someone like him when you're a midfield player because he is very fast, very clever, and a good finisher.
“It's crazy to think he is only 18 or 19. He can be one of the best in the world very soon.”
Silva has already been joined by one former Monaco team-mate at the Etihad Stadium, with his input helping to convince Benjamin Mendy that City were the right club for him – amid plenty of interest from elsewhere.
Getty
“It is great to have him alongside me in Manchester,” said Silva.
“It was great to play alongside him last season and I hope that we can achieve a lot of things together.
'Mbappe has never asked to leave'
“Honestly, when I signed for City I spoke to him about coming as well.
“I said 'come on Mendy, come with me' because he is a great player and he can really help this team.”
Silva and Mendy will be looking to help City make a winning start to their 2017-18 Premier League campaign when they open the season with a trip to newly-promoted Brighton on August 12.