The period following the current international break is when transfer work really gets going ahead of the summer window. Clubs start trying to build potential deals to sign players, and those who want to sell – be that agents or clubs themselves – start to edge players out into the market.
Earlier today we covered a report from A Bola which stated Sporting CP want €45m for Gonçalo Inácio and hinted that Manchester United could make a move for the defender. As we explained, whilst there may be some interest, United just looked like the window dressing to help get that €45m message out there.
Another Portuguese newspaper, O Jogo, is also carrying Manchester United claims on Thursday, some that may bring back some memories for Newcastle United fans. Roger Fernandes has been linked to the Red Devils in recent weeks, mainly by UK gossip websites, and there’s no way SC Braga and the player’s camp are going to let that hype chance sail away.
The 19-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League for years, despite his young age, with the claims sometimes feeling on the delusional side. Newcastle United were said to be ready to pay a big fee when he was just 17, which didn’t pass the sniff test and of course didn’t actually happen.
So far this season, the youngster has played 44 times for SC Braga, with five goals and five assists. He’s mainly been playing as a right-winger, although he’s versatile.
O Jogo go with a headline which states ‘Man United tries to take Roger’. The Portuguese newspaper reports a ‘significant contingent’ of Premier League clubs want to sign the winger, with it claimed the Red Devils stand out.
SC Braga are said to want €30m, although there’s some doubt whether they’ll get that and a structured deal based around €20m seems likelier.
Newcastle United, Fulham, Brentford, Brighton, Aston Villa and even Manchester City are credited with interest, although at least some of that will go back to the questionable claims we mentioned from a couple of years ago.
