Sporting Lisbon boss Silas is convinced that Bruno Fernandes is worth more than his current market value amid interest from Manchester United.

Silas confirmed that Fernandes will feature against Benfica on Friday as a protracted transfer to Old Trafford this month remains some distance from completion.

Reports in Portugal on Thursday claimed that the two clubs remained some way apart on the valuation of the player. United won't go above paying £42million up front for Fernandes, while Sporting demanding at least £55m for their captain.

Bruno Fernandes is being undervalued as Manchester United continue to negotiate a move

Sporting Lisbon boss Silas is adamant that Fernandes is being undervalued in the market

But in the eyes of Silas, Fernandes is 'extraordinary' and is being undervalued in the market.

'He is an extraordinary player, the best and most valuable in the league, as he was last season,' Silas said.

'I've heard someone say that he's not worth the money you are talking about and it's true, he's worth a lot more.

'In addition to attacking he also sacrifices himself to defend. Bruno is the best and the most valuable. When we have such a player it's normal for everyone to want him.'

Fernandes leaps into the air to control the ball during a clash with Porto earlier this month

United and Sporting still need to agree a fee for the player with less than two weeks remaining of the window, with agent Jorge Mendes set to present a proposal after he attended United's FA Cup clash with Wolves on Wednesday night.

Sportsmail understands Fernandes has agreed a contract worth around £130,000 a week with the Old Trafford side.

Sporting are said to be insisting on a guaranteed fee of £55m plus bonuses - something United are not prepared to do.

However, the Red Devils are reported to have offered £42m plus bonuses that could reach £68m but the Portuguese giants feel they're unobtainable to meet.

It's believed that the possible bonuses include United winning the Premier League and/or the Champions League as well as Fernandes winning the Ballon d'Or. Certainly at present, the first two seem unlikely for the time being.

Portuguese television station TVI 24's website says that the transfer is now 'at risk'.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Fernandes after losing Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay to injury

United have suffered a spate of injuries in central midfield and have also lacked a creative spark to link the play with the attack this season.

Fernandes would represent a major upgrade in that problem area and already boasts 15 goals for Sporting from midfield this season.

The 25-year-old finished with 31 goals last season, including 20 in the Portuguese league.