Manchester United to firm up interest in Sporting midfielder Fernandes

Manchester United will spend the last three weeks of the summer transfer window working on a deal for Sporting midfielder Bruno Fernandes, reports The Independent.

Fernandes has been earmarked as a top transfer target by United, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to bolster his midfield options for the new campaign.

The Portugal international enjoyed a stunning campaign for Sporting last season and the Liga NOS outfit are holding out for as much as £75m for the 24-year-old.

United have so far wrapped up deals for British youngsters Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and are also in talks to sign England international Harry Maguire from Premier League rivals Leicester.

Solskjaer has so far made a conscious effort to boost United’s homegrown core but is willing to break that trend in order to sign Fernandes from Sporting.

United’s delayed pursuit of Fernandes has nothing to do with Paul Pogba’s uncertain future at the club and the Red Devils are expected to move for the midfielder even if the Frenchman stays at Old Trafford.

The Premier League giants are hopeful of concluding a deal in the region of £50m but United have been forced to pay over-inflated fees this summer and will likely have to again here.

Fernandes finished last season as the highest WhoScored rated player in Liga NOS after remarkably scoring 20 goals and registering 13 assists from central midfield (7.83 rating).