Bruno Fernandes: Manchester United transfer target will not join before Lisbon derby on Friday

Sporting manager Silas claims United target will play on Friday

Mark Critchley
Northern Football Correspondent
Thursday 16 January 2020 17:34 GMT
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Bruno Fernandes will play in Friday’s Lisbon derby between Sporting and Benfica, despite Manchester United’s ongoing negotiations for the midfielder.

Fernandes is eager to join United and has held talks with the Old Trafford club which involve the influential agent Jorge Mendes.

United and Sporting are yet to agree a fee, with the Primeira Liga club hopeful of securing the second-highest sale in Portuguese football history.

But Fernandes will not be permitted to leave before Friday’s derby at the José Alvalade Stadium, with Sporting off-the-pace at the top of the league.

“The only certainty I have is that Bruno Fernandes will be present against Benfica,” said Silas, the Sporting manager on Thursday.

“When we have such an athlete it is normal for a lot of teams to want him, but tomorrow he will be there unless disaster strikes.”

Silas added: “He is an extraordinary player, the best and most valuable in the league, as he was last season.

“I’ve heard someone say that he’s not worth the money you are talking about and it’s true, he’s worth a lot more.

“In addition to attacking better than anyone in our country, he still gives the most to defend.”

Fernandes was widely linked with United during the summer though senior club sources distance themselves from the player at the time.

United’s need for midfielders and creative players has since grown, with Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay missing through injury.

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