Is Manchester United transfer target Bruno Fernandes really worth the hype? – The Independent, Independent
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Obstacles remain butBruno Fernandescould soon be aManchester Unitedplayer. In negotiations involving the agent Jorge Mendes, Fernandes is keen on a move to Old Trafford, which leaves Sporting and United to settle on a fee.
That is not a mere formality. United’s preference in this window has always been to explore short-term options for cover in midfield, so as not to block or complicate moves planned for the summer, with James Maddison still greatly appreciated by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and others at the club.
Senior club sources stressed the difficulty of making January signings at the start of the window. Solskjaer refrained from making any adjustments to his squad this time last year while still serving as caretaker manager and this time last week, he was playing down the chance of any new arrivals.
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At the same time, United have remained open to any opportunities which may arise. Signing a 25 – year-old on a lengthy contract, for a fee likely to make him the club’s fifth-most expensive player of all time, would indicate that Fernandes is considered too good a player to turn down.
So, is he? Fernandes would certainly arrive with a lot of hype after carrying his impressive – 24 output into this season. An astonishing goals and 19 assists last year – predominantly from a central midfield position – has been followed by goals and assists this term in a slightly more advanced role.
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