United linked with move for Portugal midfielder

Manchester United could make a move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes, according to a report from ESPN’s Rob Dawson. He is said to be just one of several midfield targets, including Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff, Monaco’s Youri Tielemans and Atlético Madrid’s Saúl Ñiguez, though talks appear to be most advanced with the Portuguese international.

ESPN claim that “informal meetings” have been held with Fernandes’ agent in London, and that Manchester City, Spurs and Liverpool have all “privately [...] distanced themselves” from the 24-year-old. If the report is to be believed, a deal is ready to be done if there is will on United’s part.

Fernandes has picked up 13 caps for Portugal since making his debut in 2017, and he participated in his first major tournament at the World Cup last summer. He moved back to his country of birth with Sporting two years ago, having made his professional debut at Novara in Italy back in 2012. He’s capable of playing anywhere across the midfield, but his strengths very much lie in playmaking: he’s an excellent passer and set-piece taker, and notched 20 goals as Sporting finished third in the Liga NOS last season.