Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp told Manchester United target Bruno Fernandes that he’s a ‘top player’ after the Reds’ 2-2 draw with Sporting Lisbon this week.
The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford but is valued at £60m by the Portuguese giants and United are not willing to stretch that far for the midfielder.
Fernandes has made clear his desire to move to England and he impressed by scoring one and setting up another in Sporting’s draw with Liverpool.
Klopp admitted after the game that Fernandes’ arrival at Old Trafford would make United ‘stronger’ because he’s a ‘really good player’.
‘If he [joins Manchester United] then we will face him. He’s obviously a really good player,’ Klopp said when asked about Fernandes after the final whistle.
‘They have already a few really good players, so that will probably make them stronger.
‘It’s not nice, but [United’s transfer dealings are] not our cup of tea, to be honest.’
The German was seen speaking to the midfielder after the game and the pair embraced after a brief chat.
Reports in Portugal have details of the conversation between the pair and claim Klopp told Fernandes he’s a ‘top player’.
‘Good game. You’ve been good,; Klopp said according to O Jogo.
‘Congratulations for the great game. You’re a top player.’
United are currently prioritising the signing of Harry Maguire from Leicester and Ed Woodward didn’t attend the final leg of United’s tour as he wanted to be in the UK for talks.
If and when the club manage to get the Maguire deal over the line, Woodward will then switch his attention to signing a midfielder.
Fernandes remains in contention but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made it clear how much he wants to sign Newcastle ace Sean Longstaff.
However, the 21-year-old is valued at £50m by the Magpies – some £20m more than the Red Devils’ valuation of the midfielder.
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