Man United prepare fresh bid for Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United are reportedly looking at presenting a new bid for Bruno Fernandes after their initial €45m offer was rejected by Sporting Lisbon.
Manchester United are reportedly considering upping their offer for Sporting Lisbon star Bruno Fernandes ahead of Friday’s 12:00 (CET) transfer deadline.
According to UK newspaper the Guardian, United may up their offer after their initial bid of €45m plus add-ons was rejected by Sporting, who value the 25-year-old midfielder at €85m.
The clubs are keeping negotiations open, with United’ second offer likely to have a “base price” of €55m, the Guardian claims.
The Red Devils are keen to strengthen their midfield during the January transfer window as head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to turn the ailing club’s fortunes around.
Though, the Norwegian coach has already said he is only willing to spend money on the players who he believes are the right fit for the club and wants to avoid the mistake of wasting cash on high-profile flops – as has happened on several occasions at Old Trafford in recent years.
ESPN reported two weeks ago that Fernandes has agreed personal terms with the Premier League giants, with his move now hinging on the two clubs coming to a deal – something which they were unable to do last summer.
Fernandes seen as ideal solution to Man United’s midfield woes
However, considering the stark midfield weaknesses that have emerged this season for United, particularly in the absence of Paul Pogba (who could be on his way out this summer), the Old Trafford board may be much more determined to get a deal done this time around and have four days to close the operation before the end of the January transfer window.
Fernandes is seen as the ideal acquisition to address United’s midfield issues, not to mention the fact that he potentially can bring much-needed goals to a side that has depended heavily on the goal-scoring prowess of Marcus Rashford this season.
The talented Portugal international scored 32 goals and provided 18 assists in 53 games in 2018-19. This season he has been as equally prolific, with 15 goals and 14 assists in 27 appearances so far for Sporting.