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David Moyes has said he'll work to sign transfer targets right up until the deadline, and if the latest reports are true, he's delivering on his promise. According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola via the Mirror, United are planning a late swoop for Porto midfielder Fernando, who could be available at a knockdown price with his contract expiring in the summer.
What's more, the Brazilian-born midfielder is a Portuguese citizen, negating the need for United to go through the arduous work permit process.
Interestingly this is the second time that A Bola have run this story, first suggesting United would make a January move back in October. Then again, this is the same paper that suggested we'd wrapped up a deal for Benfica centre-back Ezequiel Garay, so it should probably be taken with a pinch of salt.
Fernando wouldn't be the answer to all United's midfield woes. He's not world class, and despite being 26, he's never once made an international appearance. However, he's proven to be a very good defensive midfielder, and while we wait for a truly brilliant all-rounder to arrive, he could sit deep and a provide a tough-tackling steel which wouldn't go amiss.
