Harry Diamond
Manchester City have emerged as the favourites to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
The 24-year-old has attracted the interest of several of Europe’s leading club’s following a prolific season in Portugal, scoring 19 goals and providing 13 assists in 31 appearances.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is keen to add to his midfield options this summer and has targeted the Portugal international in a €50m deal.
Manchester United are also thought to be very keen on the player, but could be set to miss out to City who are claimed to be in ‘advanced negotiations’ to seal the move.
According to Goal, Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes has been drafted in to help broker the deal, with Sporting originally demanding a fee in the region €70m.
According to reports City are willing to offer a fee of around €50m, plus two players either on loan or permanent deals.
Marlos Moreno, Aleix Garcia and Douglas Luiz, all currently out on loan, could be used as potential makeweights, while outcast Eliaquim Mangala – who signed for City from Porto – could also be offered a return to Portugal as part of the deal.
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