Bruno Fernandes: Man Utd transfer in 'severe doubt' says pundit
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.
Fletcher goes on to say that United, who are thought to be close to sealing a deal for Fernandes to join them this weekend, are ‘unlikely’ to sign him.
Fernandes has been linked with a move to United since last summer, when Tottenham had a bid rejected for him as well.
Fletcher says, however, that a deal isn’t even close to happening, and that Fernandes won’t be in Liverpool for United’s clash with the Reds on Sunday.
“The big story at the moment is Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United,” Fletcher told BBC 5 Live.
Bruno Fernandes to Man Utd transfer in ‘severe doubt’ after Sporting make new demand (Image: GETTY)
“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.
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“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.”
Fletcher then said that the move was in ‘severe doubt’ and that Sporting would need to lower their huge €80m asking price for United to agree anything.
Bruno Fernandes to Man Utd transfer in ‘severe doubt’ after Sporting make new demand (Image: GETTY)
“So I think this whole Bruno Fernandes to United is in severe doubt, unless Sporting drastically reduce their asking price,” he added.
“When you look at his track record, €80m is way overpriced for him. And I think this deal is a long way off.
“It’s looking unlikely at the moment. There’s an element of leeway but 55-80 is a hell of a lot of leeway.
“So unless Sporting change their stance on his valuation, this is a non-starter.
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“The reports seem to have jumped the gun, because I’m told there’s a lot of work to do on this deal before it’s anywhere near being competed.
“Personal terms, they’re not at that stage, the player and the club has not had any conversation about what the wages would be because they’re so far apart on his valuation.”
Fernandes will play tonight for Sporting in their huge Primera Liga clash with Benfica in Lisbon.