Manchester United are expected to hold further talks with Sporting Lisbon over the transfer of Bruno Fernandes.

Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, held discussions with Frederico Varandas, the Sporting president, in United’s offices in Mayfair in London on Friday. Both sides failed to come to an agreement, but United remain keen on signing the 25-year-old and hope that a deal can be concluded before the transfer window closes at the end of the month, with the midfielder keen to move to Old Trafford.

United considered bidding for Fernandes in the summer but decided against doing so after Sporting insisted that they must pay about £65 million.

Now Sporting are understood to be willing to sell the player for a reduced fee and have also asked