Bruno Fernandes is expected to join Manchester United over the coming days and the Portuguese press have provided an update on the transfer saga.
Fernandes, the Sporting and Portugal midfielder, was a target of United’s last summer and they’ve renewed their interest this month with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen on improving the Red Devils’ midfield options.
The Old Trafford boss allegedly scouted Fernandes in person earlier this month ahead of signing off on a £65million bid for the free-scoring 25-year-old.
Reports claimed yesterday the deal would be wrapped up by the end of this week, with Fernandes to play his farewell match for Sporting on Friday against fierce rivals Benfica.
This means he would not be available for United when they take on Liverpool on Sunday, though he could debut for Solskjaer’s side on Wednesday evening when Burnley visit Old Trafford.
But while Fernandes cannot play for the Red Devils against Liverpool, this will not stop him being present at Anfield for the huge Premier League clash between the two north west rivals.
According to A Bola, the midfielder will travel to England over the weekend to watch the game in person at Liverpool’s famous home, with the signing ‘almost certain’ to then be completed.
Bruno Fernandes to Man United
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Fernandes will add some much-needed attacking output to United’s struggling midfield, with his form in Portugal earning the 25-year-old plaudits as one of the best goal scoring midfielders in the modern game.
He was earlier this week compared to one Old Trafford legend by European football expert Andy Brassell on talkSPORT.
“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.
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“I will allow myself a little Bryan Robson comparison with the way he charges late into the penalty area, but with greater frequency.
“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.”