Manchester United are reportedly moving towards making a formal bid for Sporting Lisbon playmaker Bruno Fernandes, with claims his agent is in England.
The 24-year-old Portugal international had a terrific season with Sporting during which he scored 32 goals and 18 assists in 53 appearances.
Fernandes has also made an impact on the international stage after becoming a regular starter in Fernando Santos’ side.
As noted by Jack Watson for the Independent, United have previously been touted for making a £50m bid for Fernandes, although the Portuguese giants are holding out for a transfer fee closer to £70m.
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Like Leicester City with the Harry Maguire situation, clubs know United have money and are desperate to spend on rebuilding the squad with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the hotseat, so they’re going to try drain every last cent out of each deal.
That’s where Ed Woodward lacks experience and looks the biggest fool in the industry.
Anyhow, speculation of a move to the Premier League has been rife throughout the summer, but according to The Mirror, it appears as though things could be set to develop imminently.
It is claimed that reports in Portugal have suggested that not only is Fernandes’ agent, Miguel Pinho, in England to try and seal a deal, but a formal offer is expected in the ‘coming hours’.
Tottenham are also mentioned in the report, but from following this transfer and others throughout the summer, I wouldn’t be overly worried about their so-called involvement.
Mauricio Pochettino was already given big money to bring in Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon, so it’s unlikely that they will spend massively on another midfielder without selling anyone…
United are unable to promise Champions League football to any new signing for the upcoming season, but additions like Fernandes should help the club bridge the gap between sixth and the top four.
It’s just annoying how long it’s taking to get the deal over the line.
