Although most of the updates from Portugal regarding Bruno Fernandes today are about Tottenham Hotspur’s attempts to sign him, there’s something for Manchester United fans as well.
Two newspapers this morning had stories saying the Red Devils still have a chance of signing the midfielder before the end of the transfer window.
One of the stories comes from Correio da Manhã. They say while Tottenham negotiate with the player’s agent Miguel Pinto, United are in talks with Jorge Mendes, who’s currently in Manchester.
The outlet says the Old Trafford side could still outbid Spurs, as the Sporting president Frederico Varandas wishes to sell the player… but wants €70m.
And Jornal de Notícias has a story all focused on Manchester United. They say the negotiations between the clubs ‘intensified’ yesterday, and the Red Devils are getting closer to the €70m demanded by Sporting.
There’s reportedly an offer on the table of €60m plus another €10m in bonuses which would be ‘easily triggered’. The problem is that Sporting want a bigger part paid up-front, and United are looking to divide it over several payments.
Jornal de Notícias says there’s some ‘optimism’ about the move in Lisbon, especially because Bruno Fernandes has told his inner circle he’s confident about an agreement with the Old Trafford side.
Sporting are said to be trying to make everyone happy, and Jorge Mendes could be key in finding a deal. The Lions continue demanding more money up-front because they would need a good budget to sign a replacement for Fernandes.
