Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate for some creativity in Manchester United midfield as has identified Sporting Lisbon captain Bruno Fernandes as an ideal fit for the assignment.
The Red Devils have reportedly revived their interest in the Portuguese and prepared to launch a bid during the January transfer window. Recall that the Premier League side launched a bid in the summer for the 25-year-old midfielder after scoring 32 goals and provided 18 assists for the Portuguese outfit last season, before the midfielder signing a new contract in November which runs until 2023. This means that Sporting are in no rush to sell their star asset. The deal does include an £85million release clause.
Solskjaer is looking to bring in several players in January and the Portuguese had been linked as one of his targets. With young midfielder Scott McTominay out for three or four weeks due to his knee injury, the United coach needs to reinforce his midfield. United have also identified Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen and Leicester star James Maddison as targets but it seems the two players are unlikely to move to Old Trafford.
Fernandes has been in sensational form for Sporting this season, bagging six goals and seven assists in 13 league appearances, and his standout performances have led United to take an interest in his services once again.
And Goal reports that United are set to begin a major scouting mission to Portugal in order to keep tabs on the Sporting captain. Solskjaer will send representatives to watch every game played by Sporting, Benfica and Porto over the coming weeks as they look to identify potential transfer targets for the coming windows.
The report added that United have not make any contact with Sporting in order to sign the midfielder, but the club will not have any issue pertaining to funds bring Fernandes to Old Trafford.
