Manchester United are reportedly hopeful of completing a £60 million deal to land priority target Bruno Fernandes this January.
According to a report by Daily Star, Manchester United are growing increasingly confident of securing the services of Bruno Fernandes in a £60 million deal in the January transfer window. The Premier League heavyweights are believed to be in advanced talks with Sporting Lisbon over a move for the Portuguese midfielder.
Bruno Fernandes saw his stock being skyrocketed in the wake of a highly productive 2018-19 season, wherein he was the most prolific midfielder in Europe. Following a campaign wherein he had an astounding return of 32 goals and 18 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions, interest in him grew like wildfire.
Manchester United were the most heavily linked suitors, but a summer move eventually failed to materialise. Despite failing to secure a big move away from Portugal, though, the Sporting captain’s levels have not dropped one bit.
In fact, Fernandes is still directly contributing to a goal every game, with 13 goals and as many assists in 24 outings in all competitions to show for his efforts. Having maintained his consistency, the 25-year-old has seen his suitors resurface, with Manchester United, in particular, reigniting their interest in him.
Midfield is a major concern area for Manchester United, especially when it comes to making reinforcements in the January transfer window. With Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay sidelined, the midfield looks desperately thin, with Fred the only other player who has showed some consistency.
Even when Pogba and McTominay are available, Manchester United have had the need for a reliable no. 10, with none of Andreas Pereira, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard proving to be dependable over long stretches. To that end, Bruno Fernandes is a viable target for Manchester United to pursue.
What Fernandes also brings to the table is goals from midfield, which Manchester United have sorely lacked this season. As a result, the Premier League heavyweights reportedly opened talks with Sporting Lisbon over a January move for the player.
Daily Star now suggest that Manchester United are in advanced talks and are increasingly hopeful that they will be able to sign him in a £60 million deal. Talks have reached such a stage that the player’s agent and Sporting president Frederico Varandas are in London to complete negotiations with United.
Certain reports had also indicated that Manchester United were willing to sweeten the pot by offering a player on loan. It now remains to be seen if the Red Devils can get over the line in pursuit of the Portuguese international, as they look to get him to Old Trafford this month in a £60 million deal.
