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WORLD FOOTBALL

    Report: Bruno Fernandes Linked to Manchester United Transfer for £60M

    Christopher Simpson@@CJSimpsonBRX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistJanuary 13, 2020

    SETUBAL, PORTUGAL - JANUARY 11: Bruno Fernandes of Sporting CP celebrates after scoring a goal during the Liga NOS match between Vitoria FC and Sporting CP at Estadio do Bonfim on January 11, 2020 in Setubal, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
    Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

    Sporting CP playmaker Bruno Fernandes is reportedly on the verge of joining Manchester United for £60 million.

    Journalist Nicolo Schira reported that the two sides are in negotiations over the move:

    Nicolò Schira @NicoSchira

    🔜 #BrunoFernandes to #ManchesterUnited! Two clubs are in very advanced talks and are ready to close the deal. #Sporting are guaranteed to receive €60M from #MUFC for Bruno. All that's left are the bonuses and which players (Rojo? Pereira?)’ll be included in the deal. #transfers

    According to Portuguese outlet Record (h/t MailOnline's Joe Strange), the most important terms of the deal are "already negotiated and understood" following talks between United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and Sporting President Frederico Varandas.

    Strange added that Portuguese outlet A Bola noted the move is "imminent," and James Ducker of the Telegraph reported "Fernandes has informed Sporting Lisbon he would like to join Manchester United this month if a deal can be struck between the clubs."

    The Red Devils have not made an official bid for Fernandes, but it's said they will do so this week and could include Marcos Rojo in the deal. The defender joined United from Sporting in 2014.

    Marca's Chris Winterburn highlighted Rojo's wages as a potentially significant stumbling block to his return to Sporting, so another player could be included instead:

    Chris Winterburn @cmwinterburn

    So, personally I don’t believe they’d be inclined to repeat it. It seems much more likely to me that Joel Pereira could end up being a permanent swap, with Sporting knowing they could recoup 10-15 million on him in the future.

    Joel Pereira has experience in Portuguese football, having spent time at Belenenses and Vitoria Setubal on loan during his time at Old Trafford.

    Report: Bruno Fernandes Linked to Manchester United Transfer for £60M
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    Whomever they include, though, it's in United's interests to wrap up a deal.

    Bleacher Report's Rob Blanchette believes Fernandes be a superb fit at United given what he could bring to their midfield:

    Rob Blanchette @_Rob_B

    IF.... #MUFC can complete Bruno Fernandes, he will slip perfectly into what we saw today. Mata was good today & Andreas worked hard. But a genuine No. 10 creator who can score & assist will make this team a top-four contender. Bruno has that quality. He's solid gold.

    United are desperate for goals and creativity from the centre of the park. Paul Pogba is their only player who can do so regularly, but injuries have kept him out for all but eight games this campaign.

    Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Andreas Pereira, Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic have contributed a combined total of six goals and 11 assists in all competitions this season.

    Fernandes has 15 and 13, respectively, for Sporting this season and 63 and 51 in 134 games overall.