Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United transfer latest: What we know so far as deal edges closer

The transfer saga which has dominated the January transfer window could be nearing an end as Manchester United close in on Bruno Fernandes.

A target throughout the summer, not much has changed five months on as Ole Gunner Solskjaer looks to add the Portugal international to his ranks.

United and Sporting CP have been locked in talks throughout January but with four days of the transfer window remaining, progress finally appears to have been made.

Here is what we know so far about Manchester United's pursuit of Bruno Fernandes...

Is the deal close?

Yes. United reached a significant breakthrough in their talks with Sporting on Tuesday evening and United are now confident a deal is on the verge of being agreed, subject to personal terms.

A fee has been agreed between United and Sporting and the Premier League side will see this development as a major victory having refused to meet Sporting’s demands of €80m.

Fernandes will sign a four-and-a-half year contract with the option of a further 12 months. ​

How much will he cost?

United will pay €55million (£46.5m) up front, plus €10m in achievable add-ons.

A further €15m will be payable based on Fernandes’ personal achievements such as winning the Ballon d’Or.

Will United make anymore signings?

Possibly. With Marcus Rashford sidelined with a back problem, United are still in need of additional firepower up front. While Fernandes will help address that, United also remain linked with a host of short-term options up front - including Maxi Gomez of Valencia and Leicester misfit Islam Slimani.

Vital stats

Like with any big outlay, there is always a risk on a player. But Bruno Fernandes does appear to be a step above.

Playing in an attack-minded midfield role, Fernandes came to the fore last season with 32 goals and 18 assists across 53 appearances for Sporting Lisbon. The 25-year-old has kept up his form this season with 15 goals and 14 assists in 27 appearances.

Fernandes' time in Serie A with Udinese and Sampdoria was less productive but still impressive for a player exiting his teenage years.

On the international stage, Fernandes has just two goals in 19 games, coming against Algeria and Luxembourg, but won the Uefa Nations League - and was named in the team of the tournament - with Portugal last summer.

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