Manchester United are reportedly set to hold talks with the representative of Portuguese international Bruno Fernandes over the possibility of a summer switch.
According to a report from Portuguese publication O Jogo, as carried by The Sun, Manchester United are ramping up their pursuit of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes. The 20-time English champions are set to open talks with the Portuguese international’s agent in London, as they look to get a deal wrapped up before their pre-season tour.
After a disappointing 2018-19 campaign, Manchester United are eyeing a major squad overhaul but have had a slow start to the transfer window, with only Daniel James moving to Old Trafford till date, although Aaron Wan-Bissaka is close to signing for the Red Devils.
The midfield department though, presents a difficulty for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Manchester United have already lost Ander Herrera, who decided to move on at the expiry of his contract, while question marks remains over the future of star man Paul Pogba, who is being linked with Real Madrid and Juventus.
Should the World Cup winner end up departing Old Trafford, Manchester United will lose their sole source of creativity and goals from the middle of the park. Even if Pogba stays, Solskjaer is keen on adding another creative presence in midfield, which is where the interest in Fernandes stems from.
The 24-year-old is coming on the back of a sensational season with Sporting, during which he came up with an exceptional return of 32 goals and 18 assists from 53 matches in all competitions. Fernandes also impressed in the UEFA Nations League helping Portugal win the competition.
This has put him on the radars of a number of clubs across Europe, most notably Manchester United and Manchester City. The report claims that United have stolen a march on their competitors as they are set to negotiate with the 24-year-old’s agent Miguel Pinho in order to hash out a deal.
Fernandes is contracted with Sporting till the summer of 2023 and the Portuguese outfit are reluctant to lose him. However, should an offer of around £70 million come along, they would be open to a sale. Given Manchester United’s deep pockets, that transfer fee should not pose much of a problem.
It remains to be seen if they are able to get the deal over the line, but the fact that Manchester United are meeting with Fernandes’ agent in London to work out a deal is a very promising sign.
