Real Madrid have reportedly joined Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and Tottenham in the chase for Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
According to a report from Portuguese publication Record, the chase for Sporting Lisbon captain Bruno Fernandes has further intensified as La Liga giants Real Madrid have joined Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in pursuit of the midfielder.
Fernandes has been one of the hottest commodities of the ongoing summer transfer window after a sensational 2018-19 campaign with Sporting. The 25-year-old came up with a sensational return of 32 goals and 18 assists from 53 matches in all competitions, sparking widespread interest from several clubs across Europe.
Manchester United have been chasing the Portuguese international’s signature all summer long. The Red Devils’ boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen on adding another creative presence to his midfield department to provide support for Paul Pogba, with the 24-year-old Fernandes emerging as the club’s key transfer target.
Recent reports have even claimed that the 20-time English champions were close to getting their man. However, their attempt to sign Fernandes has been jeopardized by a late move by fellow Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur, who are also intent on adding a new attacking midfielder to their ranks as they face the risk of losing star playmaker Christian Eriksen.
This has led to manager Mauricio Pochettino to scour the market for a new addition to the squad to replace the Dane, with Real Betis star Giovani Lo Celso emerging as a target. However, the Lilywhites now seem to have switched their attention towards Fernandes.
Tottenham are believed to have met with Sporting’s officials in order to negotiate a potential deal to get Fernandes to North London. The report from Record claims that Spurs made an offer of €60 million for the midfielder, which was rejected by the Portuguese outfit, who value their captain at €70 million.
With both Tottenham and Manchester United not willing to meet Sporting’s transfer fee demands for Fernandes, a window of opportunity has opened up for Real Madrid, who are also interested in signing the 25-year-old this summer, the report from Record adds.
Real Madrid have been on a spending spree this summer, recruiting the likes of Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic among others. However, manager Zinedine Zidane remains keen on refreshing his midfield department with a new signing. Manchester United’s Paul Pogba had been their primary target all summer, but with hopes of landing the Frenchman fading they are identifying alternatives.
Real Madrid were reported to be closing in on signing Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek. But, the report from Record claims that Los Blancos remain interested in Fernandes and are hoping to use their connection with super agent Jorge Mendes to get a deal pushed through at the earliest.
Bruno Fernandes has all but confirmed that he will be leaving Sporting this summer. But, with Manchester United, Tottenham and Real Madrid all vying for his signature, it remains to be seen where the 25-year-old ends up come next season.
