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Manchester United appear to have finally gotten their man after holding talks with Sporting Lisbon top chiefs about the signing of Bruno Fernandes, MySportDab reports.
The midfielder was heavily linked with United in the transfer window last summer but ended up staying at Sporting Lisbon despite interest also from Tottenham.
The Red Devils did not sign Fernandes last summer because they believed the news coming from Portugal about a possible transfer is to hike up his valuation.
However, United have now made their move for the Portugal international again after Sporting president Frederico Verandas and director Hugo Viana were invited to England for more talks.
They both arrived in London yesterday and sat down with United at their club offices in Mayfair about an agreement.
Due to serious financial difficulties which includes not playing Champions League football this season, Sporting have decided this might be the time to sell.
According to Sky Sports, Sporting are ready to consider offers in the region of £60million – £70million for their most prized asset.
Recent Injuries to Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba have forced United into the transfer market, despite Coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer warning fans not to expect too much this month.
The Norwegian Manager travelled to Lisbon last Friday to watch the star in action vs Porto alongside Mike Phelan.
MySportDab understands Manchester United are now willing to hand Fernandes a long-term contract at the club with wages worth £150,000-a-week.
Also, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand appears to know something about the Bruno Fernandes deal and dropped a huge hint on Twitter.
Indeed, Ferdinand wrote: “Brunoooooooooooo” alongside emojis. This has led to further speculations the rumours might be true.
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) Speaking on the latest edition of the Sky Sports Transfer Talk podcast, Dias, editor-in-chief of Portuguese sports daily O Jogo, said that Sporting will have to to sell the midfielder due to growing unhealthy financial issues.
“What we know is that United this time are truly closing in on Bruno Fernandes,” Dias said.
“We did publish the story that there are talks between the two clubs and we figured that a deal might be concluded in the next few days, or hours even, because Sporting are in urgent need of money.
“Now Sporting will accept 70m Euros, but maybs paid in instalments. United is a club that Bruno Fernandes loves in England, it’s a club that he wants to play for.
“Talks have intensified in the last couple of days, so we’re expecting both clubs to reach an agreement soon.”
More to follow…
