Manchester United have confirmed that an agreement has been reached with Sporting CP for Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes, subject to a medical.
The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for the 25-year-old over the last 12 months, though haggling over price meant negotiations dragged on and on.
However, after reports emerged on Tuesday night claiming a breakthrough had finally been made, United have decided to confirm a deal is done – for a rumoured fee of £46.6m upfront – even though Fernandes still needs to undergo medical checks.
A short statement on the club’s official website said: “Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached an agreement with Sporting Clube de Portugal for the transfer of Bruno Fernandes.
“The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course.”
There were previously suggestions that La Liga giants Barcelona were considering hijacking the transfer in order to get their deal for Valencia’s Rodrigo over the line, though those rumours were dispelled almost as quickly as they materialised.
Fernandes has been one of Europe’s leading performers over the past year or so, with his goal and assist record making for good reading. The Portugal international has already directly contributed to 15 of their Primeira Liga goals and managed 33 last term.
He will be expected to add quality in the middle of the park for Manchester United who have struggled immensely for creativity. He is comfortable and versatile in the midfield, as he can play just behind the attacker or deep-lying playmaker dictating the pace of the game. He has featured in those positions and performs excellently.
Ole Gunnar Solksjear, has also received positive news on the fitness of star player, Paul Pogba, the Frenchman is expected to make his long-awaited return after the winter break, and the coach his very positive about the prospect of playing the Portugal international alongside Paul Pogba.