Manchester United are reportedly closing in on their second signing of the summer, with a deal being agreed for the transfer of Portuguese star Bruno Fernandes.
According to a report from Italian outlet Radio Rossonera, as carried by The Sun, Manchester United have an agreement in place to sign Portuguese international Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon in the ongoing transfer window. The 24-year-old was also a target for United’s local rivals Manchester City.
The 2018-19 season was a memorable one for Fernandes, as he produced a spectacular return of 32 goals and 18 assists from 53 matches in all competitions, leading Sporting to a third-place finish in the Primeira Liga, along with triumphs in the Portuguese League Cup and the Portuguese Cup.
Fernandes was one of Portugal’s best players on the field as they went on to beat Netherlands in the final of the inaugural UEFA Nations League this past weekend, earning plaudits from all corners. The midfielder’s rise to stardom in the past year has seen him garner a horde of admirers with both the Manchester clubs reported to be at the forefront of the interest.
Manchester City are looking for a long-term heir for playmaker David Silva, who is in the twilight of his career and have identified Bruno Fernandes as a viable target. However, they are set to be beaten by rivals Manchester United to the signing of the Portuguese midfielder, according to the report.
After a torrid 2018-19 season, the summer window is crucial for Manchester United if they are to break into the top four of the Premier League next time out. The Red Devils have already made their first signing, with winger Daniel James arriving from Swansea City, but more incomings are expected in the coming weeks.
Midfield is an area where manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would want to strengthen, with Ander Herrera getting released from the club, while Paul Pogba’s future hangs in the balance amid interest from Real Madrid. The Norwegian is keen on adding a creative presence in the middle of the park and Fernandes would fit the bill for Solskjaer and Manchester United.
Fernandes has shown over the past year that he is able to score and create in an equal measure from the centre of the park, earning comparisons to Premier League legend Frank Lampard. The 24-year-old has done enough to force Manchester United into pressing ahead with their interest.
The report claims that Manchester United are ironing out the final details of the deal for the Portuguese international, with a transfer close to getting completed. It further adds that the 20-time English champions will have to shell out £70 million for the 24-year-old.
Judging by the form he has been in, Fernandes has the potential to be an excellent addition to this Manchester United side. However, the Premier League is known to be often unforgiving on foreign imports and it will be interesting to see how he fares, if the Red Devils are able to get the deal over the line.
