Manchester United have been offered the opportunity to sign Bruno Fernandes and are interested in the Sporting midfielder but talks remain at a preliminary stage.
Sporting are asking for a fee of €70m (£60m) for the 25-year-old and are eager to engineer a move this month, with agent Jorge Mendes pushing the deal, having failed to capitalise on interest during the summer.
United were one of several clubs linked with Fernandes last year but ultimately opted against making an offer and distanced themselves from the player as the summer went on.
Injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay have since left manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer light in midfield. Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini are also yet to be replaced since departing last year, and Solskjaer is currently badly in need of the kind of creativity Fernandes would offer.
United are nevertheless understood to be prioritising short-term options in the January market, with Solskjaer claiming on Friday that a temporary fix would not be “the worst thing (to) do”. There is a view that any full purchases now could jeopardise potentially superior deals in the summer, especially with the club making James Maddison a number-one target. The state of the current midfield options, however, may force their hand.
1/41 January Transfer Targets
Forty exciting players from across Europe who could potentially move this month.
Getty
2/41 Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
£80m winger has consistently pushed for a move away from Selhurst Park, with Chelsea the most likely destination.
Getty
3/41 Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund)
German side are keen to hold onto the England international until the summer, however, a host of European clubs are looking to force Dortmund’s hand.
AFP via Getty Images
4/41 Leroy Sane (Manchester City)
Bayern Munich continue to be linked with the injured winger, with a Bundesliga move looking inevitable either this month or in the summer.
Getty Images
5/41 Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig)
Arsenal were linked with the centre-back over the summer, but his £60m asking price may prove a stumbling block.
Bongarts/Getty Images
6/41 Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)
Striker has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, although a number of European clubs are interested. German internaitonal may stay until the summer with Leipzig on such good form.
Bongarts/Getty Images
7/41 Ben Chilwell (Leicester)
Leicester have pledged to hold onto the full-back until the summer, when Chelsea and Man City are set to battle for his signature.
Getty Images
8/41 Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Speculation has begun to boil yet again over Pogba’s future, especially after the incendiary comments of his agent, Mino Raiola. He is expected to remain at least until the summer, though.
PA
9/41 Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
Came close to a move to China in the summer before the plug was pulled at the 11th hour. The same conundrum remains as to whether any club is willing to match his exorbitant wages.
Getty
10/41 Christian Eriksen (Tottenham)
Has made clear his intention to leave Spurs when his contract expires in the summer and favours a move overseas, with Inter Milan reportedly entering talks with the Danish midfielder.
Getty Images
11/41 Samuel Umtiti (Barcelona)
French World Cup-winner has been consistently linked with a move away from the Camp Nou, with Arsenal previously holding an interest. The 26-year-old would command a large fee, but was in attendance to watch Arsenal vs Manchester United on New Year’s Day.
Icon Sport via Getty Images
12/41 Olivier Giroud (Chelsea)
The curtain is almost certain to draw on the Frenchman’s Chelsea career as he looks to secure his place at Euro 2020, having been almost completely shut out by Frank Lampard.
Getty Images
13/41 Nathan Ake (Bournemouth)
Chelsea have long considered activating Dutch defender’s £40m buy-back clause. Other clubs are also taking an interest as the Cherries toil.
REUTERS
14/41 Edinson Cavani (PSG)
Veteran Uruguay striker is set to leave the Parc des Princes after being usurped by Mauro Icardi. Atletico Madrid and a number of MLS sides are reportedly taking an interest.
REUTERS
15/41 Thomas Lemar (Atletico Madrid)
Frenchman has failed to deliver in his time at Atletico and Lyon are looking to make an approach to bring the midfielder back to Ligue 1.
AFP/Getty Images
16/41 Jarrod Bowen (Hull)
It’s inevitable that Hull will eventually cash in on the exciting winger who has already scored 16 goals this season. Aston Villa are currently favourites to secure his signature.
Action Images
17/41 Emerson (Chelsea)
Left-back has fallen out of favour under Frank Lampard, who is in search of a replacement, and Inter Milan and Juventus have taken an interest in the Italy international.
Getty
18/41 Rhian Brewster (Liverpool – loan)
Prodigious English striker has struggled for game time this season with Swansea, currently manager by former England U17 coach Steve Cooper, leading the race for his signature.
Action Images via Reuters
19/41 Curtis Jones (Liverpool – loan)
Another exciting academy graduate, Jones made his debut this season but could join a Championship side in January to get increased game time after the arrival of Takumi Minamino.
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
20/41 Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)
Spaniard has been sidelined by Frank Lampard and is pushing for a January move, with Serie A the likeliest option.
REUTERS
21/41 Nemanja Matic (Manchester United)
Serbian’s contract expires in the summer with Manchester United willing to cash in. However, any move could hinge on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side bringing in reinforcements after Scott McTominay’s injury.
PA
22/41 Moussa Dembele (Lyon)
Another striking option scouted by Chelsea, the former Celtic player could arrive as a direct replacement for Olivier Giroud.
AFP/Getty Images
23/41 Gedson Fernandes (Benfica)
Portuguese midfielder has emerged as a target for Manchester United with his agent reportedly sighted in London for talks.
AP
24/41 Alfredo Morelos (Rangers)
Controversial Rangers striker has been linked with a move to Newcastle.
Reuters
25/41 Dries Mertens (Napoli)
Belgian winger is available on a cut-price deal in January, with his contract at Napoli expiring in the summer. Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Arsenal and Everton have all been linked.
SSC NAPOLI via Getty Images
26/41 Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus)
With Juventus completing a £38m deal for Dejan Kulusevski, Bernardeschi could be the attacking option that makes way at the Italian champions.
27/41 Emre Can (Juventus)
German international fumed after being left out Juventus’ Champions League squad and is set to depart after falling down the pecking order.
Getty Images
28/41 Andreas Iniesta (Vissel Kobe)
Barcelona legend has been linked with an MLS move as well as with Estudiantes in Argentina.
Getty
29/41 James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
Has seen his star fade dramatically yet remains one of the most skilful attacking midfielders in Europe. Everton have been linked, although it’s unlikely the Colombian would take such a significant step down at this stage.
Getty Images
30/41 Arturo Vidal (Barcelona)
Chilean is reportedly suing Barcelona over unpaid bonuses and is set to leave the club in January with Inter Milan currently leading the race for his signature.
Getty Images
31/41 Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
Inter Milan’s precocious forward has been linked with Barcelona, Real Madrid as well as a number of Premier League clubs. The Serie A side’s president is ready to cash in.
REUTERS
32/41 Danny Loader (Reading)
England U17 World Cup-winner saw his deadline day move to Wolves fall through at the last minute. His contract expires in the summer and Reading may look to cash in.
Getty
33/41 Adrien Rabiot (Juventus – loan)
French midfielder has seen his game time extremely limited under Maurizio Sarri and has been linked with a loan move.
Getty Images
34/41 Che Adams (Southampton – loan)
Out-of-sorts striker has failed to deliver since joining Southampton in the summer and could be set for a loan move back to the Championship.
Getty Images
35/41 Dani Olmo (Dinamo Zagreb)
A number of clubs in Spain and England have been linked with the exciting 21-year-old winger.
Getty Images
36/41 Nathan Ferguson (West Brom)
Teenage defender is one of the most promising talents in the Championship and has been scouted by a host of Premier League clubs. The latest off the WBA production line.
WBA FC via Getty Images
37/41 Eberechi Eze (QPR)
A brilliant playmaker in the Championship, Eze has already scored 10 goals from midfield this season and attracted interest from Tottenham and Sheffield United.
Getty
38/41 Isco (Real Madrid)
Spanish midfielder continues to be linked with a move away from the Bernabeu, with Chelsea among a number of clubs to consider the 27-year-old.
Getty
39/41 Marcos Rojo (Manchester United)
Everton had a bid rejected for the centre-back in the summer, however, United are now ready to let the Argentine go after the emergence of Axel Tuanzebe as back-up.
AP
40/41 Patrick Cutrone (Wolves)
Wolves are reportedly considering cutting their losses with the 21-year-old striker who’s struggled since his move from AC Milan.
Getty Images
41/41 James Maddison (Leicester)
The attacking midfielder continues to draw interest from Manchester United, who are desperately searching for a creative force this window.
Getty Images
1/41 January Transfer Targets
Forty exciting players from across Europe who could potentially move this month.
Getty
2/41 Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
£80m winger has consistently pushed for a move away from Selhurst Park, with Chelsea the most likely destination.
Getty
3/41 Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund)
German side are keen to hold onto the England international until the summer, however, a host of European clubs are looking to force Dortmund’s hand.
AFP via Getty Images
4/41 Leroy Sane (Manchester City)
Bayern Munich continue to be linked with the injured winger, with a Bundesliga move looking inevitable either this month or in the summer.
Getty Images
5/41 Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig)
Arsenal were linked with the centre-back over the summer, but his £60m asking price may prove a stumbling block.
Bongarts/Getty Images
6/41 Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)
Striker has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, although a number of European clubs are interested. German internaitonal may stay until the summer with Leipzig on such good form.
Bongarts/Getty Images
7/41 Ben Chilwell (Leicester)
Leicester have pledged to hold onto the full-back until the summer, when Chelsea and Man City are set to battle for his signature.
Getty Images
8/41 Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Speculation has begun to boil yet again over Pogba’s future, especially after the incendiary comments of his agent, Mino Raiola. He is expected to remain at least until the summer, though.
PA
9/41 Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
Came close to a move to China in the summer before the plug was pulled at the 11th hour. The same conundrum remains as to whether any club is willing to match his exorbitant wages.
Getty
10/41 Christian Eriksen (Tottenham)
Has made clear his intention to leave Spurs when his contract expires in the summer and favours a move overseas, with Inter Milan reportedly entering talks with the Danish midfielder.
Getty Images
11/41 Samuel Umtiti (Barcelona)
French World Cup-winner has been consistently linked with a move away from the Camp Nou, with Arsenal previously holding an interest. The 26-year-old would command a large fee, but was in attendance to watch Arsenal vs Manchester United on New Year’s Day.
Icon Sport via Getty Images
12/41 Olivier Giroud (Chelsea)
The curtain is almost certain to draw on the Frenchman’s Chelsea career as he looks to secure his place at Euro 2020, having been almost completely shut out by Frank Lampard.
Getty Images
13/41 Nathan Ake (Bournemouth)
Chelsea have long considered activating Dutch defender’s £40m buy-back clause. Other clubs are also taking an interest as the Cherries toil.
REUTERS
14/41 Edinson Cavani (PSG)
Veteran Uruguay striker is set to leave the Parc des Princes after being usurped by Mauro Icardi. Atletico Madrid and a number of MLS sides are reportedly taking an interest.
REUTERS
15/41 Thomas Lemar (Atletico Madrid)
Frenchman has failed to deliver in his time at Atletico and Lyon are looking to make an approach to bring the midfielder back to Ligue 1.
AFP/Getty Images
16/41 Jarrod Bowen (Hull)
It’s inevitable that Hull will eventually cash in on the exciting winger who has already scored 16 goals this season. Aston Villa are currently favourites to secure his signature.
Action Images
17/41 Emerson (Chelsea)
Left-back has fallen out of favour under Frank Lampard, who is in search of a replacement, and Inter Milan and Juventus have taken an interest in the Italy international.
Getty
18/41 Rhian Brewster (Liverpool – loan)
Prodigious English striker has struggled for game time this season with Swansea, currently manager by former England U17 coach Steve Cooper, leading the race for his signature.
Action Images via Reuters
19/41 Curtis Jones (Liverpool – loan)
Another exciting academy graduate, Jones made his debut this season but could join a Championship side in January to get increased game time after the arrival of Takumi Minamino.
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
20/41 Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)
Spaniard has been sidelined by Frank Lampard and is pushing for a January move, with Serie A the likeliest option.
REUTERS
21/41 Nemanja Matic (Manchester United)
Serbian’s contract expires in the summer with Manchester United willing to cash in. However, any move could hinge on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side bringing in reinforcements after Scott McTominay’s injury.
PA
22/41 Moussa Dembele (Lyon)
Another striking option scouted by Chelsea, the former Celtic player could arrive as a direct replacement for Olivier Giroud.
AFP/Getty Images
23/41 Gedson Fernandes (Benfica)
Portuguese midfielder has emerged as a target for Manchester United with his agent reportedly sighted in London for talks.
AP
24/41 Alfredo Morelos (Rangers)
Controversial Rangers striker has been linked with a move to Newcastle.
Reuters
25/41 Dries Mertens (Napoli)
Belgian winger is available on a cut-price deal in January, with his contract at Napoli expiring in the summer. Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Arsenal and Everton have all been linked.
SSC NAPOLI via Getty Images
26/41 Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus)
With Juventus completing a £38m deal for Dejan Kulusevski, Bernardeschi could be the attacking option that makes way at the Italian champions.
27/41 Emre Can (Juventus)
German international fumed after being left out Juventus’ Champions League squad and is set to depart after falling down the pecking order.
Getty Images
28/41 Andreas Iniesta (Vissel Kobe)
Barcelona legend has been linked with an MLS move as well as with Estudiantes in Argentina.
Getty
29/41 James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
Has seen his star fade dramatically yet remains one of the most skilful attacking midfielders in Europe. Everton have been linked, although it’s unlikely the Colombian would take such a significant step down at this stage.
Getty Images
30/41 Arturo Vidal (Barcelona)
Chilean is reportedly suing Barcelona over unpaid bonuses and is set to leave the club in January with Inter Milan currently leading the race for his signature.
Getty Images
31/41 Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
Inter Milan’s precocious forward has been linked with Barcelona, Real Madrid as well as a number of Premier League clubs. The Serie A side’s president is ready to cash in.
REUTERS
32/41 Danny Loader (Reading)
England U17 World Cup-winner saw his deadline day move to Wolves fall through at the last minute. His contract expires in the summer and Reading may look to cash in.
Getty
33/41 Adrien Rabiot (Juventus – loan)
French midfielder has seen his game time extremely limited under Maurizio Sarri and has been linked with a loan move.
Getty Images
34/41 Che Adams (Southampton – loan)
Out-of-sorts striker has failed to deliver since joining Southampton in the summer and could be set for a loan move back to the Championship.
Getty Images
35/41 Dani Olmo (Dinamo Zagreb)
A number of clubs in Spain and England have been linked with the exciting 21-year-old winger.
Getty Images
36/41 Nathan Ferguson (West Brom)
Teenage defender is one of the most promising talents in the Championship and has been scouted by a host of Premier League clubs. The latest off the WBA production line.
WBA FC via Getty Images
37/41 Eberechi Eze (QPR)
A brilliant playmaker in the Championship, Eze has already scored 10 goals from midfield this season and attracted interest from Tottenham and Sheffield United.
Getty
38/41 Isco (Real Madrid)
Spanish midfielder continues to be linked with a move away from the Bernabeu, with Chelsea among a number of clubs to consider the 27-year-old.
Getty
39/41 Marcos Rojo (Manchester United)
Everton had a bid rejected for the centre-back in the summer, however, United are now ready to let the Argentine go after the emergence of Axel Tuanzebe as back-up.
AP
40/41 Patrick Cutrone (Wolves)
Wolves are reportedly considering cutting their losses with the 21-year-old striker who’s struggled since his move from AC Milan.
Getty Images
41/41 James Maddison (Leicester)
The attacking midfielder continues to draw interest from Manchester United, who are desperately searching for a creative force this window.
Getty Images
Fernandes would qualify as a significant long-term investment, but he remains a player of interest at Old Trafford and the willingness of Sporting and his camp to do a deal could help.
Solskjaer is understood to have travelled to Lisbon to watch Fernandes play in Sporting’s defeat by Porto last Sunday, alongside his assistant manager Mike Phelan. The United manager did not deny he had made the trip when asked on Friday. “We go back to speculations and we do go and watch games all the time,” he said. “When I’ve been and where I’ve been is irrelevant. [Fernandes] is another player in a different club I can’t speak about.”
Tottenham have revived their own interest in the player, having come close to signing him last summer. They would not be able to match United’s wages, but negotiations could be concluded relatively quickly, especially as it was only the failure to sell Christian Eriksen that prevented the deal getting done in 2019.
