Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Bruno Fernandes as the prospect of a move to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon edges closer.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s hopes of the Sporting and Portugal attacking midfielder becoming the fourth signing of his reign as United manager now rest on the clubs being able to agree a fee.

Injuries to Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba have heightened United’s need for midfield reinforcements as they bid to finish in the top four and Solskjaer’s desire for new players will only increase if Marcus Rashford is ruled out for any period.

The United striker is expected to be scanned after being substituted just 16 minutes after coming on in the second half of his side’s 1-0 FA Cup win over Wolves on Wednesday night at Old Trafford after taking a knock to a troublesome back.

United have been hoping to do a deal for a fee of about £50 million. Sporting had initially sought as much as £68m for Fernandes, although the Portuguese club are under some pressure to sell as they seek to ease some of their financial issues.