Benfica teenager Joao Felix is better than Manchester City star Bernardo Silva was at the same age, according to Portuguese coach Carlos Carvalhal.
Felix is the latest Benfica star to excite Europe's top clubs with the club president recently stressing that no offers under the €120m release clause will be accepted.
City, who signed Ederson from the Lisbon club in 2017, could move for Felix if Leroy Sane leaves this summer while United , who bought Victor Lindelof in the same transfer window , have also been linked with a move.
Pep Guardiola rated Bernardo, who came through the Benfica academy but was allowed to leave because it was thought he was too slight, as the best player in the Premier League over the last nine months.
"Bernardo Silva is one of the best players in the world at this moment," Carvalhal told BBC Sport . "But at 19, he did not show the talent that Felix is showing in this moment at 19 - so imagine what kind of player we are talking about."
He added: "His characteristics are more near Kaka in my opinion, the way he drives the ball, connects play and his goals.
"Why is he so special? He's a mix between a nine and a 10, he plays like a second striker. He is a good header, even if he is not a massive player physically.
"He knows how to find space well in the last line of defence, that is why he scores a lot and he shoots well with both feet. When he must connect the game between attack and midfield he does so very well. He's a very good technical player."
