Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been linked with a Premier League switch all summer.
The 24-year-old has reportedly attracted interest from Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool, but no deal has yet been done.
Sporting have set a €70m asking price for their captain, according to Portuguese publication Jornal de Noticias, as translated by Sport Witness.
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Speaking on Sky Sports’ Transfer Podcast, Portuguese football expert Felipe Dias explained why Fernandes would be such a good fit for a Premier League side.
“I have no doubt that Fernandes can thrive in the Premier League. This guy can play with and against the best of them,” Dias said.
“I’ve been a journalist for 20 years and watched football for as long as I can remember – I have never seen a player do what Bruno Fernandes did last season.
“We’re talking about an offensive centre midfielder who scored 32 goals. Even in domestic Portuguese football and the Europa League, which admittedly isn’t the most glamourous, you cannot deny his talent.
“He is already a ready-made player for the Premier League in my opinion. He is a leader on the pitch, a natural born passer and a deadly finisher with either foot. He is quick, strong and has good positioning.
“He played in Italy for a little while which helped (develop) his tactical sense. I don’t have a bad word to say about him as a footballer. At 24 years old, why he has not been transferred yet is the big question.”
Surely this is a deal that United have to make happen. The Reds were desperately lacking in creativity last campaign, struggling to find the back of the net on several occasions as the season ended in a whimper. Fernandes would provide the perfect attacking outlet from midfield and at just 24, still has plenty of potential to grow as a player and time to adapt to the Premier League.