Bruno Fernandes has spoken about his friendship with the winger previously (Image: Getty)
Bruno Fernandes called for reinforcements at Manchester United, and the skipper will certainly be pleased with who his side have now identified as a target.
The Red Devils are in the heart of a major rebuild, with Bayern Munich duo Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui on the cusp of joining the club. Leny Yoro has also signed for the Red Devils, along with Joshua Zirkzee.
Further reinforcements are expected towards the end of the transfer window, with acquiring the services of another winger among the priorities at Old Trafford. According to Sport, the Red Devils have joined several Saudi Pro League sides in the race to sign Barcelona forward Raphinha.
The Catalan giants are open to parting ways with the Brazil international if they receive an offer in excess of £51million, though they would favour offloading some of their other fringe stars.
Raphinha is expected to struggle for minutes next season, and therefore the prospect of reuniting with former teammate Fernandes at Old Trafford could prove very appealing. The duo shared a dressing room for one season at Sporting Lisbon but struck an immediate friendship and have remained in close contact.
Opening up on his connection with Raphinha previously, Fernandes said: “Raphinha, I miss Raphinha.
Raphinha has been linked with a move to Old Trafford (Image: Getty)
“He’s a player with whom I had a different chemistry from the others. He understood me at a glance. I also miss him because he brought joy to the locker room. He’s also a responsible and hardworking person.”
Raphinha has also commented on his friendship with the playmaker previously, saying: “Funny that I have friends in both clubs. Bruno Fernandes played with me for a year that seemed like many more at Sporting. He became almost an older brother. We talk every day, but not football, just our antics. Even from a distance, it helps me a lot.”
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Bruno Fernandes spoke openly about how he hopes United improve this summer (Image: Getty)
Former United midfielder Fred has even spoken about how Fernandes often brings up Raphinha in conversation, in a sign that the 29-year-old will be ecstatic to learn that his side are pursuing his friend.
Fred said: “Bruno’s been talking about Raphinha ever since he arrived. They played together at Sporting. He’s a great player having an amazing season and a lot of clubs have their eye on him. Great guy, excellent player."
