Multiple audacious reports from the midfielder’s homeland have stated that Old Trafford chiefs have made the breakthrough in their pursuit of the star.
Fernandes has been one of the biggest stories of the summer transfer window after a stellar campaign with Sporting Lisbon and Portugal, with whom he won the Nations League last month.
According to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha, the 24-year-old is closing in on a move to United and could play his last game for Sporting tonight.
The Primeira Liga outfit take on Valencia at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in a friendly, in what could be his farewell appearances.
Therefore eagle-eyed United supporters could gain some clarity tonight if Fernandes is spotted waving goodbye or in tears, which would indicate the deal is on.
The Sporting captain, who has also been linked with Tottenham, posted a message to the club’s supporters last month which suggested he could be heading to the Premier League. That has not been the case as of yet.
He wrote on Instagram: “An unforgettable time! The achievements in the cup of the league and in the cup of Portugal at collective level, crowned with a personal record! UEFA’s top scorer in recent years. Thank you all for your contribution. Without you this would not be possible.”
Fernandes scored against United’s bitter rivals Liverpool in the early hours of Thursday morning as the sides drew 2-2 in New York.
After the match Jurgen Klopp was seen interacting with the player, congratulating him on his performance.
The German later revealed that it’s not his “cup of tea” whether United sign him, but explained he is a top player.
Manchester United, who Express Sport understands are not prioritising a deal for Fernandes, have been left frustrated by the noise coming from Portugal surrounding a potential move.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants at least two more faces before the August 8 deadline, but has been left sweating by Ed Woodward.
Sporting are prepared to sell Fernandes in the next two weeks and are cautious that his value could drop in the future given the season he has just had.
At the start of the window, United decided that they wanted to bring in at least two more midfielders to replace the already departed Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera.
Sean Longstaff has been earmarked as a top target, given he fits Solskjaer’s recruitment policy which has an emphasis on young, British players.
Paul Pogba looks increasingly likely to stay at Old Trafford, with Real Madrid unable to harvest the funds to launch a mega-money move after a busy few months of window shopping.
