Bruno Fernandes: Man City now ‘close’ to signing Sporting player
Sunday’s edition of A Bola reported both Manchester clubs are ‘crazy’ to sign Bruno Fernandes.
Record, another Portuguese newspaper, said Manchester United are sending an official to watch the player today, as they almost always do, and know they need to ‘accelerate’ their efforts if they’re to beat neighbours Manchester City.
Over at Jornal de Noticias they have things quite differently, and it’s certainly not good news for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Manchester United fans.
It’s claimed that Fernandes is ‘close’ to a move to City for as little as €50m. Marlos Moreno would be going the other way for €3m.
Moreno signed for Manchester City in 2016 from Atletico Nacional for around €6m and it’s not too unkind to say his career has fallen off a cliff since.
Loans at Deportivo La Coruna, Grinoa and Flamengo all had problems and he’s now trying to rebuild things in Mexico with Santos Laguna.
There’s one thing holding up the Moreno deal. Manchester City want 35-50% sell-on, and Sporting don’t want to agree to even half of the lowest figure. Talks are ongoing, and it’s ‘expected’ Sporting will pay the €3m and get their man.
Meanwhile, Bruno’s transfer is ‘well underway’. Jornal de Noticias says their source has informed them the talks are ‘practically finalised’.
It was reported on Friday in Portugal that a relationship could be formed between the two clubs to see Manchester City have preference on Sporting youngsters, and the Lisbon club receive loan moves in exchange.
On that note, the newspaper says Hugo Viana and Txiki Begiristain are in contact and more players could arrive from Manchester in the summer.
For those Manchester United fans who hoped Bruno would move to Old Trafford, this isn’t the best update, and is much better for Pep Guardiola’s side.
That said, things could obviously change once again.
