Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United: Transfer latest with midfielder to MISS Sporting vs Benfica as agreement could be reached on Friday
Manchester United are expected to complete the signing of Bruno Fernandes by the end of January to finish what has been the transfer saga of the month.
The Sporting midfielder Fernandes has been scouted in person by Ole Gunner Solskjaer, the Man United boss, who wanted to take one final look at the Red Devils’ target before signing off on a move.
And it appears he was suitably impressed as rumours this week claimed a £65million bid would be submitted by United for the 25-year-old Portugal international.
Various reports hinted the deal to take Fernandes to Old Trafford would be completed by the end of the week, with the player set to feature for Sporting on Friday night before travelling to England on Sunday to watch Man United in action at Anfield, against their fierce rivals Liverpool.
However, claims in Portugal have emerged saying Fernandes will now MISS Sporting vs Benfica as the transfer could be wrapped up before the clash kicks off on Friday evening.
CMTV say there are only ‘very small details’ to be agreed upon before the deal can be completed, with Fernandes perhaps signing for Manchester United by the end of the day.
This means Fernandes will not make a farewell appearance for Sporting this evening, and his last game for the club would have been played last weekend when he scored twice in a 3-1 defeat of Setubal.
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European football expert Andy Brassell joined talkSPORT earlier this week to give the low-down on Fernandes, a player he rates highly.
“Sporting are still hoping to get the thick end of €70m (£60m) for Bruno Fernandes, and I can understand why,” said Brassell.
“He is a player who has been outstanding last season and this; 31 goals from midfield last season and 17 in 21 so far this term, in not a great Sporting team.
“I will allow myself a little Bryan Robson comparison with the way he charges late into the penalty area, but with greater frequency.
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“But with him, the thing is he’s not an all-Portugal product. When he was a teenager he went to Serie A, and it has made him very good tactically and very good on the ball.
“It is clear to anyone who watches Man United on a semi-regular basis that where they need to improve is midfield; they need that presence, that technique, that will to get in the box…
“And he’s got all of those.
“Clearly he is going to need other players to play with, but he is someone who I feel pretty confident could make a fairly instant impact at Manchester United.”