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Manchester United are reportedly set to make their first bid for Sporting midfielder Bruno Fernandes in the 'coming hours' but face competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

As well as wanting Harry Maguire to be the rock of his defence, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also wants to add a new midfielder to his squad this summer following the departure of Ander Herrera for Paris Saint-Germain.

United have been linked with a long list of names but the two to have emerged on the short-list are United's combative youngster Sean Longstaff and Sporting captain Fernandes.

It's no surprise that Fernandes has earned so many plaudits this summer after the year he's had. The 24-year-old scored a staggering 32 goals in a season in which he also led Sporting to Portuguese cup glory and helped Portugal become the first ever Nations League champions.

Yet with high praise comes a high price tag and Sporting value their prized asset highly.

According to reports in the Portuguese press from A Bola and Correio da Manha, cited by Sport Witness, Fernandes' agent, Miguel Pinho, is in England to listen to offers for the player.

For weeks it seemed that United were the only club in the chase after Man City and Spurs revoked their interest, yet the Champions League finalists 'could really be alive in the race' for Fernandes.

Correio da Manha claims that bids from both clubs should be made in the 'coming hours,' where as A Bola report that Pinho is 'agreeing the edges' of the offers.

It's also claimed that Sporting won't be budged on their €70m valuation and are willing to wait for United to make a 'panic move.'

Spurs have already broke their transfer record on one midfielder this summer by signing Tanguy Ndombele for £54million and look as though they want to continue improving the squad.

Meanwhile, Leicester’s Maguire is pushing for a move to Manchester United as he wants to become Reds’ skipper, according to reports.

The Sun claim Maguire believes he has the right temperament to succeed the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Steve Bruce, who were his heroes growing up. United have seen a £70million bid rejected for the 26-year-old.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has reiterated that the Foxes do not need to sell Maguire, though this could push a move in the right direction as far as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are concerned.