This archive report was first published on 23 July 2019.
Manchester United's pursuit of Bruno Fernandes has reached a critical juncture, with the Sporting Lisbon playmaker expressing his desire to play in the Premier League.
As reported on July 23, 2019, Fernandes has been the subject of intense interest from the Red Devils after his impressive form last season.
However, Sporting's high valuation of the player has made Manchester United reluctant to meet their demands, with the club's president, Frederico Varandas, insisting that a bid of around £55m would still not be enough to convince them to sell.
Speaking to RTP on Monday, Varandas stated, “I don’t know if there are many or if there are few [interested clubs]. What I know, a lot has been spoken of values, coming to the press, €55m, €62… for that he doesn’t leave, for sure. If Bruno Fernandes leaves, players with quality will come. But if Bruno leaves.”
Fernandes, however, has refused to rule out the possibility of his last Sporting appearance being the clash with Liverpool in New York on Wednesday, declaring, “I don't care about the market” and appearing to urge club bosses to let him go.
When asked if the match could be his last for Sporting, Fernandes replied, “Will this be the last match for Sporting? I don't know, it's the coach who decides.”
