Paul Merton says Manchester United should sign Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish instead of Sporting Lisbon playmaker Bruno Fernandes.
The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a swoop to sign the Portugal international since the start of the January transfer window.
Fernandes, 25, has scored eight goals and made seven assists in 16 appearances in the Premeira Liga so far this term.
Man Utd have been crying out for a creative spark in midfield this season and Fernandes would be a massive upgrade on the players Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has at the moment.
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Jesse Lingard has been awful again this season and Juan Mata is kicking on.
Sky Sports claim Fernandes’ move to Old Trafford has been held up with Sporting raising their transfer demands, but that sounds like a line pushed by Team Woodward more than anything.
However, Grealish is another midfielder United have been linked with this month, as per Manchester Evening News.
He has scored six times and has assisted five goals in the Premier League so far this season.
Daily Star columnist Merson believes United would be better of signing Grealish rather than Fernandes.
“Forget Bruno Fernandes — Manchester United should be trying to sign Jack Grealish,” Merson wrote.
“He is one of the top ten players in the Premier League right now. He is absolutely different class and would walk into almost any other Premier League team.
“Grealish would walk into the United team. Tottenham tried to get him not long ago and he’d walk into their team right now as well.
“I can’t explain to people how good this kid is. Aston Villa lost 6-1 to Manchester City and he was the only one who still had time on the ball.
“His composure is something else. I don’t understand why clubs aren’t queuing up to try and sign him. Is it because he’s English but isn’t playing for England?
“Bruno Fernandes is a full international. He’s had clubs all over Europe looking at him. But he’s never played in this league before. Grealish has. And he’s ripping it up every week.
“I love watching him play. If I had to pay to watch one player in the Premier League, I’d watch him.
“He can see a pass, score goals, and he gets on the ball. He wants the ball all the time. That’s what makes a top player – always wanting the ball. He never hides.
“Kevin De Bruyne is a world class midfielder. But he’s got world class players around him. Jack Grealish plays in a struggling bottom three team and is outstanding.”
United travel to Anfield today before facing Liverpool in the Premier League.
