Bruno Fernandes is expected to move to the Premier League this summer with Manchester City and Manchester United reportedly going head-to-head.
Manchester City have opened talks to sign Sporting Lisbon captain Bruno Fernandes, according to the Sun (24 April, page 53).
A Portuguese international who has enjoyed a remarkable season with 28 goals and 15 assists from central midfield, Fernandes looks certain to leave the Estadio Jose Alvalade one year after William Carvalho, Rafael Leao, Rui Patricio and Gelson Martins all walked away.
And Manchester City appear to have jumped to the front of the queue despite a number of Premier League rivals being linked with Fernandes of late.
The Sun claims that Sporting chief Hugo Viana, a former Newcastle United play-maker, jetted into England to hold talks with the Premier League champions, although it remains to be seen where Fernandes, a cultured attacking midfielder with a prolific goal-scoring rate, would fit into Pep Guardiola’s squad.
He could perhaps replace Ilkay Gundogan, who has been reluctant to extend a contract that expires in 2020.
The Sun claims that Fernandes is one of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s top targets as he plots an overhaul at Manchester United while O Jogo linked Arsenal and Chelsea with the 24-year-old this week.
Fernandes has an £87 million release clause in his contract but Sporting are willing to accept offers of just £30 million.
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