Show caption Bruno Fernandes is wanted by Manchester United to help boost their midfield options. Photograph: Mario Cruz/EPA Manchester United Manchester United ready to firm up interest in Sporting’s Bruno Fernandes • United prepared to offer £60m for Portugal midfielder

• Fernandes earmarked as main January transfer target Jamie Jackson @JamieJackson___ Mon 13 Jan 2020 10.13 GMT Share on Facebook

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Manchester United are ready to firm up their interest in Bruno Fernandes, with the Sporting Lisbon midfielder keen on a move priced at around €70m (£60m).

Ole Gunnar Solskjær has identified the 25-year-old as an option to strengthen a position depleted by the departures of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini plus the long-term injury to Scott McTominay.

While United have refused to comment on their expected approach for the Portugal international it is understood Sporting are braced for Fernandes to be sold to United. Sporting are exploring alternatives to replace a player who has 13 goals in 22 appearances this season and 19 caps for his country.

At the weekend Jorge Silas, Sporting’s manager, was asked if Fernandes will be available for Friday’s derby with Benfica.