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Bruno Fernandes to Man Utd: What shirt number could Portuguese star wear at Old Trafford?
Manchester United have made a breakthrough in their bid to sign Bruno Fernandes - but what shirt number could he wear at Old Trafford?
Man Utd are 'confident' of Bruno Fernandes deal claims pundit
Manchester United have agreed a deal worth £55.1million for Bruno Fernandes, Express Sport understands. The Red Devils are set to pay Sporting Lisbon an initial £46.6m with £8.5m in add-ons.
United are confident they will get the transfer over the line before the Friday deadline at 11pm.
Fernandes is eager to join United and is ready to jet to Manchester in the coming hours to finalise his move.
The Portuguese midfielder will have to agree personal terms with the club and complete a medical before signing above the dotted line.
But if what seemed a far-fetched chase now materialises, what shirt number could Fernandes be donning in United threads?
JUST IN: Manchester United agree Bruno Fernandes transfer with player set to arrive on Wednesday
Fernandes has worn four different numbered jerseys in his professional career, which began at little-known Italian club Novara Calcio in 2012.
At Novara, Fernandes was No 32 and kept those digits with him as he made the switch to Udinese.
Thereafter, the attacking midfielder then switched from the No 8 and No 7 shirts at Stadio Friuli.
At Sampdoria, he was gifted the No 10 kit but No 8 has become his iconic number in three seasons at Sporting.
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It reflects his style of play - a creative midfielder who also tracks back - but it is not currently available at Old Trafford.
Juan Mata has the upright infinity on his back and is contracted to the club until June 2021.
Some United fans may want Fernandes to be handed the No 7 jersey - previously worn by greats such as George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
It has proved a curse in recent years, though, and its current incumbent Alexis Sanchez is trying to repair his career out on loan at Inter Milan.
United are not averse to changing shirt numbers for big new signings, as was the case when Anthony Martial was forced to switch from No 9 to No 11 upon Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s arrival in 2016.
List of available squad numbers at Man Utd (up to 30)
7 - Alexis Sanchez on loan at Inter Milan
11 - last worn by Anthony Martial
12 - Chris Smalling on loan at Roma
18 - last worn by Ashley Young
19 - last worn by Marcus Rashford
25 - last worn by Antonio Valencia
27 - last worn by Marouane Fellaini
30 - last worn by Matteo Darmian