Manchester United will reportedly not include any players in a deal to sign Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon.
It was reported earlier in the week that Sporting and United were far apart in their valuation on a transfer with the Portuguese side holding out for £60million.
And it was suggested United may look at including a player to sweeten a potential deal.
Joel Pereira, Marcos Rojo, Andreas Pereira, Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong had all been mentioned as possibly being included in a transfer.
But Portuguese newspaper A Bola insist no player head in the opposite direction to Fernandes.
Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Bruno Fernandes could join this weekend (Image: GETTY)
Bruno Fernandes transfer in doubt
Manchester United’s move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes is in danger of falling apart, according to BBC 5 Live’s Darren Fletcher, who says that the Portuguese club need to lower their valuation for the 24-year-old before a deal can get done.
“The big story at the moment is Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United,” Fletcher told BBC 5 Live.
“The information, as I have it, is vastly different to what’s being reported at the moment.
“It’s being reported that they’re close to a £60m transfer, personal terms agreed, £120,000-a-week and the situation is that he’s likely to be at Anfield to watch the Liverpool game.
“But what I’m hearing is that is so off the mark. Tottenham made a £45million bid for Fernandes in the summer, Sporting rejected it and Spurs walked away.
“I understand United have bid more than that, £50-55m, because of how well he’s performed this season and they’re away that £40-45m was rejected.
“I’m led to believe though, that Sporting want €80m for Fernandes, which is €20-25m above united’s valuation.
“He is going to be play tonight and if he does the whole waving the crowd thing and he’s expecting to sign for United, I think he’ll be mistaken.
“As it stands, he’s going to be training with Sporting Lisbon on Monday and not in Manchester. And unless he buys his own ticket, there’s a cat in hell’s chance that he won’t be at Liverpool.”
Man Utd transfer news LIVE (Image: GETTY)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Bruno Fernandes starts!
Manchester United are close to signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes. But, fans have been left fearing the worst after he was named in Sporting’s starting XI to face Benfica on Friday night.
United fans are worried that the midfielder will pick up an injury in the Lisbon derby.
A long-term injury could end up stalling United’s move for the Portugal international.
Red Devils supporters have been desperate to confirm the signing of Fernandes, as the club continues its push to finish in the top four of the Premier League.
Man Utd transfer news LIVE (Image: GETTY)
Ashley Young done deal
Ashley Young has completed his move to Inter Milan.
The defender, who leaves United after eight-and-a-half years, has signed a six-month deal with an option to extend for a further year.
Inter paid United around £1.3m for the full-back, who has been a loyal servant for the Red Devils.
Young underwent his Inter medical on Friday prior to his announcement.
Man Utd transfer news LIVE (Image: GETTY)
Bruno Fernandes left furious
Bruno Fernandes unleashed a tirade of fury on Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas last night after being informed via phone call that the club will not sanction his exit to Manchester United until the Red Devils up their offer. Express Sport understands that United have agreed personal terms with Fernandes with the midfielder.
But Sporting are holding out for more than the current £42.6million (€50m) United have tabled for their captain.
The offer is said to contain up to £25.6m in add-ons but Sporting want to secure more money up front - and have made that clear to United.
According to Duncan Castles on Reach PLC’s Transfer Window podcast, Varandas called Fernandes on Thursday night to inform him of the latest status.
The 25-year-old’s “anger” in response was ostensibly palpable, with Fernandes believed to have responded along the lines of: “You cut my legs off in the summer.
“I was ready to go to Premier League then, I had an offer to go to a club (Tottenham) I wanted to go to.
“I waited on the premise that you would let me go in January. I need to go now.”
Man Utd transfer news LIVE (Image: GETTY)
Mauricio Pochettino update
Manchester City might lose out to Manchester United if Mauricio Pochettino returns to management in the summer with the local rivals both interested in recruiting the former Tottenham boss. Pochettino will be available on a free having been kicked into touch by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy in November following a troubled start to the season.
City chiefs are bracing themselves in case Pep Guardiola calls time on his spell at the Etihad at the end of what looks set to be a frustrating campaign featuring a meek Premier League title defence.
United, meanwhile, are understood to be long-time admirers of Pochettino, who was considered to replace Jose Mourinho before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got the job.
United have shown signs of improvement in recent months but the Mirror report Old Trafford is still the Argentine’s most likely landing spot after a few months in the wilderness.
Trending
Bruno Fernandes could refuse to play for Sporting
Bruno Fernandes has threatened Sporting Lisbon that he will not play against Benfica tonight in order to push through a transfer to Manchester United. Fernandes has been included in the squad to face Sporting’s city rivals but is apparently furious about the delay to his proposed departure to United.
Sporting confirmed on Friday at 1pm - eight hours and 15 minutes before kick-off - that their captain, Fernandes, was part of the 18-man squad.
But, according to Duncan Castles of the Reach PLC Transfer Window podcast, the 25-year-old has hovered the threat that he will refuse to play.
“There is an implicit threat that, despite all the stuff Sporting have been saying about wanting Bruno to play in their derby match against Benfica tonight, Bruno may not play in that game,” the transfer insider said.
“[He] is indicating that, if Sporting do not do a deal with Manchester United, he might not play in the match.”
Man Utd transfer news LIVE (Image: GETTY)
James Maddison signing backed
Manchester United have been urged to sign James Maddison from Leicester once they have wrapped up a deal for James Maddison by former striker Louis Saha.
“I am a big fan of James Maddison,” Saha told bonuscodebets.
“He has great potential and has been performing very well this season.
“He has good experience in the Premier League now and for him to come to Manchester United would be a big step up for him that he would be able to manage.
“I would be more confident of his future if Maddison came to United, he has been showing some great things.”
Man Utd transfer news LIVE (Image: GETTY)
Jack Grealish failed bid
Manchester United have tried to sign Aston Villa star Jack Grealish during the January transfer window but the midfielder’s club have refused all advances from the Red Devils. Grealish is rated at around £60m and United could turn their attentions to trying to sign him in the summer.
According to the Daily Record, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have tried to coax the midfielder away from Villa Park.
Villa, however, have refused any approach from United, who look set to sign Sporting Lisbon’s Bruno Fernandes instead.
Grealish recently hinted that he would be interested in signing for United after liking a tweet with a picture that showed him scoring at Old Trafford for Villa earlier this season.
Man Utd transfer news LIVE: United are keen to spend (Image: GETTY)
Bruno Fernandes update
Bruno Fernandes could be in the stands for Manchester United’s away trip to Liverpool on Sunday with a transfer said to be agreed with Sporting Lisbon. United have been trying to thrash out a deal for Fernandes over the past week.
It had been suggested United and Sporting Lisbon were far apart in terms of valuation of the midfielder, leading to some fears a deal may not be agreed.
But Sky Sports now claim Sporting have accepted a fresh offer from United which would be worth up to £60million.
It is said United will pay an initial £43m with an extra £17m in add-ons.
The Portugal international has also agreed personal terms which will put him on wages worth £120,000-a-week.
And the report adds Fernandes could well be in the stands for United’s huge clash against rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
Man Utd transfer news LIVE (Image: GETTY)
£25million bid made
Manchester United have launched a bid for Birmingham City teenage sensation Jude Bellingham, with the club willing to part with up to £25million.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is aiming to beat Arsenal to the youngster, while simultaneously trying to secure a deal for Portugal international Bruno Fernandes.
United’s offer would guarantee Birmingham City at least £25m, according to the Daily Record.
The Red Devils face tough competition to sign the 16-year-old, with the youngster drawing attention from clubs across Europe.
Bellingham would also fall under Ed Woodward’s plan to sign young, British talent, in a bid to build for the future.
Trending
Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Paul Pogba visited Paris Fashion Week on crutches (Image: GETTY)
Spotted: Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba visited Paris Fashion Week on crutches on Friday, 10 days after undergoing ankle surgery. The Manchester United midfielder has only made eight appearances this season due to a recurring ankle problem which has blighted his campaign.
The Frenchman could be out for a further three weeks as he recovers fully from the operation, meaning he will miss United’s trip to Liverpool on Sunday.
While his United team-mates put in late preparation for the Anfield test on at Carrington on Friday, Pogba was 500 miles away in Paris for the men’s fashion week showcasing the hottest fall and winter collections.
The 26-year-old arrived alongside his partner and mother of his child, Zulay Pogba, making his way through the City of Lights on crutches.
His right leg was covered in a cast as he engineered his way around Paris’ streets donning a hoodie which read ‘LOOK BUT DON’T COPY’.