Manchester United are in advanced talks over Bruno Fernandes – but it could be jeopardised by Sporting’s attempts to start a bidding war with Tottenham.

Man Utd are exploring a potential move for the Portugal midfielder this month, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer desperate to strengthen in midfield.

But Old Trafford’s hierarchy have approached the deal with caution after believing they were used to try to drive up Fernandes’ price last summer.

He was among the targets considered by Solskjaer in his first summer window at the club, before opting against an official bid.

But with Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay currently sidelined by injury, the Norwegian has told Ed Woodward a midfielder is a priority this month.

In Pictures | Manchester United's summer transfer targets 15 show all In Pictures | Manchester United's summer transfer targets 1/15 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs midfield reinforcements with Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba facing spells on the sidelines. Getty Images 2/15 Jadon Sancho Borussia Dortmund REUTERS 3/15 Matthijs de Ligt Juventus Getty Images 4/15 James Maddison Leicester City Getty Images 5/15 Jack Grealish Aston Villa REUTERS 6/15 Jude Bellingham Birmingham City Getty Images 7/15 Sean Longstaff Newcastle United Getty Images 8/15 Declan Rice West Ham West Ham United FC via Getty Ima 9/15 Harry Kane Tottenham Getty Images 10/15 Moussa Dembele Lyon AFP via Getty Images 11/15 Erling Haaland Borrusia Dortmund AFP via Getty Images 12/15 Kalidou Koulibaly Napoli AFP via Getty Images 13/15 Donny Van de Beek Ajax AFP via Getty Images 14/15 Kai Havertz Bayer Leverkusen AFP via Getty Images 15/15 Raul Jimenez AFP via Getty Images 1/15 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs midfield reinforcements with Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba facing spells on the sidelines. Getty Images 2/15 Jadon Sancho Borussia Dortmund REUTERS 3/15 Matthijs de Ligt Juventus Getty Images 4/15 James Maddison Leicester City Getty Images 5/15 Jack Grealish Aston Villa REUTERS 6/15 Jude Bellingham Birmingham City Getty Images 7/15 Sean Longstaff Newcastle United Getty Images 8/15 Declan Rice West Ham West Ham United FC via Getty Ima 9/15 Harry Kane Tottenham Getty Images 10/15 Moussa Dembele Lyon AFP via Getty Images 11/15 Erling Haaland Borrusia Dortmund AFP via Getty Images 12/15 Kalidou Koulibaly Napoli AFP via Getty Images 13/15 Donny Van de Beek Ajax AFP via Getty Images 14/15 Kai Havertz Bayer Leverkusen AFP via Getty Images 15/15 Raul Jimenez AFP via Getty Images

United are aware of Sporting’s determination to find a buyer now – and should Spurs be drawn into the bidding it could see drive his price up beyond his valuation of around £55m.

Fernandes is not the only midfield target identified by Solskjaer, with Ajax’s Donny van de Beek another he is keen to land.

Sean Longstaff and Emre Can have also been considered – but neither are seen as ideal fits.

Newcastle’s insistence on £50m for Longstaff prompted United to drop interest in him in the summer – while Can’s association with Liverpool is a potential issue.

Fernandes’ availability during this window makes him a prime target – and United will be buoyed by the news Spurs are closing in on a loan deal for Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes.

That would raise questions over whether Jose Mourinho would be willing to add two midfielders this month.

Bruno Fernandes was considered by Mauricio Pochetino last summer, before ultimately signing Giovani Lo Celso.

It’s understood Sporting are anticipating the sale of their prize asset this month and have begun preparations for his departure.

On Friday Solskjaer failed to deny claims he’d been to watch Fernandes in action, saying: “We go back to speculation. I do go and watch games all the time. Where I’ve been is irrelevant. That’s another player in a different club that I can’t speak about.”