Manchester United have reportedly bumped up their offer to sign Bruno Fernandes this month to a £46.4 million plus add-ons bid.
According to a report by The Times, Manchester United have hiked their offer in their bid to wrap up the move for Bruno Fernandes. The Premier League heavyweights are ready to shell out £46.4 million as an upfront payment in addition to performance-related bonuses in order to prise the 25-year-old away from Sporting Lisbon.
By now, it is common knowledge that Bruno Fernandes is someone who is being hotly pursued by Manchester United. The Red Devils were reportedly linked with the Portuguese playmaker in the summer transfer window as well, but a move never saw the light of the day.
Fernandes has been in his elements ever since he returned to Portugal by joining Sporting Lisbon in 2017. The 25-year-old, though, has been on another level altogether since the start of last season and has a scintillating return of 15 goals and 14 assists in 27 appearances across all competitions this term.
Manchester United have continued their long-standing interest in Fernandes heading into the January transfer window. The pursuit of the Sporting Lisbon captain does make sense, seeing as the fallen giants of English football appear to be lightweight in the midfield department.
Even with reliable performers like Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay available, Manchester United are sorely lacking goals from midfield. Add to it the fact that the playmaker also boosts the creative element in the team and it becomes almost imperative for the club to make a move for Fernandes.
Certain reports have suggested that Manchester United have already agreed personal terms with the Portuguese international and all that remains is for them to reach an agreement with Sporting over a transfer fee. However, that is where the problems begin for United.
The two clubs are reportedly at odds over the valuation of the player, which has been corroborated by The Times as well. However, the report also stresses that Manchester United are ready to raise their offer to sign the 25-year-old playmaker.
It has been claimed that United are willing to shell out an initial £46.4 million to secure the services of Fernandes. The deal will also include performance-related add-ons. Sporting, however, want to recoup £50.6 million as the upfront payment apart from the bonuses.
With that being said, something will have to give as we count down the final days of the January transfer window. If one club or the other is unable to reach a compromise, though, a move will have failed to materialise for the second successive transfer window. It now remains to be seen if the transfer can see the light of the day and if Manchester United’s latest offer is accepted.
