Man Utd transfer news: How chiefs reacted to Barcelona trying to sign Bruno Fernandes (Image: Getty)
Manchester United were shocked at Barcelona’s emergence as potential suitors for Bruno Fernandes on Tuesday. United have been in talks to sign Fernandes for over two weeks but are refusing to meet Sporting Lisbon’s transfer fee demands.
The Red Devils have not faced much competition for the midfielder with Tottenham dropping their interest after a rejected bid in the summer.
But Barcelona emerged as shock contenders to sign Fernandes on Tuesday - even to United.
According to The Times, Old Trafford chiefs’ initial £42.3million (€50m) bid was made with the belief that no other club would make on offer this month.
They also hoped that Sporting’s financial struggles would lead to their president Frederico Varandas dropping his poker face and accepting the offer.
Man United: Solskjaer says he has ‘no updates’ on Fernandes
Barcelona’s sudden interest in Fernandes comes as part of their plan to sign a striker before the transfer deadline on Friday at 11pm.
The Spanish giants are desperate to bring in a No 9 following Luis Suarez’s knee injury which has sidelined him until May.
Valencia frontman Rodrigo has been identified as the Uruguayan’s replacement and Barca want to sign the 28-year-old on loan until the end of the season.
Valencia are willing to let their highest scorer leave - if they are given Fernandes on a half-season loan.
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Barca have not been linked with Fernandes since he came to prominence following a 32-goal season in 2018/19.
The 25-year-old has continued his good form this campaign with 15 goals and 14 assists in all competitions.
But Barca’s interest seems to chiefly stem from their desire to sign Rodrigo, who was praised by Blaugrana head coach Quique Setien before his side lost 2-0 to Valencia on the weekend.
"Rodrigo? I like all good players,” Setien said. “He's an extraordinary footballer.
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“Tomorrow [Saturday] he could give us problems and he is a key player for their team.
“I would have preferred if he wasn't playing, but we know that if he's not there then there is another player, Valencia have a great squad with or without Rodrigo."