Man Utd ‘reach agreement’ with Bruno Fernandes over transfer from Sporting Lisbon

MANCHESTER UNITED have “reached an agreement” with Sporting Lisbon’s Bruno Fernandes.

And now both the Red Devils and the attacking midfielder’s camp are hoping a deal can be finalised between the two clubs.

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That’s according to reports in Italy, who claim discussions between the Portuguese international and United took place today.

Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Nicolo Schira reported the latest update on Twitter as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks set to make the 24-year-old his third summer signing after securing Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James.

The only stumbling block to the transfer move appears to be the fee.

United are believed to have already tabled an offer of £31m – but Sporting are holding out for at least £54m.

They hope a bidding war will now unfold as other interested clubs look to beat the Premier League giants to the star’s signature.

BIDDING WAR

But Jornal de Noticias have since claimed Sporting’s plan has backfired.

Their huge demand for Fernandes has driven away both Liverpool and Tottenham.

United are aware of this and will continue to play hardball by refusing to pay over-the-odds for the ex-Sampdoria man.

And they believe their patient approach could result in them bringing him to Old Trafford for a fee similiar to their original offer.

Fernandes bagged 32 goals for Sporting last season and grabbed 18 assists in his 53 matches.

And his exploits even secure him a place in the record books.

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard found the net 27 times for the Blues back in 2010 – the biggest tally from a midfielder in Europe.

But that figure was smashed by Fernandes – hiking up his transfer fee in the process.

He began his career in Italy with Novara before joining Udinese in 2013 and shone during his three years at the club until he switched to fellow Serie A outfit Sampdoria.

But he was only there for 12 months as he went on to sign for Sporting in a £7.5m deal.

He is under contract with Lisbon until 2023.