Bruno Fernandes: Any club can see he is a top player says expert
United have expressed an interest in the midfielder, who made a name for himself last season with 31 goals from midfield in all competitions.
The Sporting captain is best placed in attacking midfield and could replace Paul Pogba, should the Frenchman have his wish of a “new challenge” granted.
Sporting reportedly want £62.2million (€70m) for the playmaker, who is contracted at Jose Alvalade Stadium until 2023.
Whether United are willing to meet that valuation remains to be seen but Sporting president Varandas is hoping Fernandes would be the most lucrative sale in the club’s history.
“It could be the most expensive sale of Sporting,” Varandas told Radio Observer.
“The most expensive so far was João Mário, for €40m (£36m). There have been only talks for Bruno Fernandes, for now.”
United met with the player’s agent, Miguel Pinho, for talks in June but the pursuit has calmed somewhat.
Sporting are aware the player’s value is at an all-time high, though, especially with the time remaining on his contract.
Man Utd transfer news: Bruno Fernandes would leave for a record fee, Sporting Lisbon president hints (Image: Getty)
Man Utd transfer news: Bruno Fernandes helped Portugal to the Nations League in June (Image: Getty)
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Varandas said money from a Fernandes deal would “bring many millions to the coffers of Sporting”.
He added: “I can only say that if a player leaves that can earn us millions, we will be prepared to attack the market. Always in a sustained way.”
“A lot of their transfer strategy depends on what happens with [Pogba and Lukaku],” he said. “But other players will be coming in to United. The next one, if not Maguire, could be Bruno Fernandes.
“The Sporting midfield player has been playing so well for Portugal. A lot of big clubs are after him and his agent says that United have been in touch.”