Man Utd: Fernandes would make an ‘instant impact’ says pundit
Manchester United are inching closer towards landing Portugal international Bruno Fernandes with an announcement possible later this week. The Sporting Lisbon midfielder, 25, is eager to make a switch to the Premier League having come close to a move last summer.
But with United having held face-to face talks with both his representatives and Sporting president Frederico Varandas in London on Friday, a deal understood to be in the region of £50million looks imminent.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and assistant Mike Phelan were reported to have travelled to Lisbon to scout the player nine days ago and believe he could ease their midfield worries.
Fernandes has eight goals and seven assists in 15 league games for the Portuguese club this season.
Man Utd transfer news: Bruno Fernandes is close to joining (Image: GETTY)
And with Paul Pogba’s United future uncertain after ankle surgery and rumours linking him with a “new challenge” elsewhere and Scott McTominay facing a spell on the sidelines with a knee problem, Solskjaer is need of reinforcements.
United’s board have made no comment on a possible deal and are concerned Sporting’s initial £60m valuation is on the high side.
In addition they do not want another mistake in the January transfer market following the debacle with Alexis Sanchez.
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Out of favour centre half Marcus Rojo has been mooted as a possible makeweight in order to lower the outlay for United.
The Argentine defender, 29, joined United from Sporting Lisbon in 2014, almost left for Everton last summer and has started one Premier League game this season.
The Portuguese side’s manager Silas has admitted the club is looking at potential replacements in case Fernandes leaves imminently.
Man Utd transfer news: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to sign Bruno Fernandes (Image: GETTY)