Manchester United overtake Premier League rivals in Bruno Fernandes race

Manchester United have identified Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes as one of their transfer priorities this summer.

The 24-year old?s agent Miguel Pinho was reportedly in England this past week and held meetings with the club as well as Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, according to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha.?

Sporting president?Frederico Varandas has asked Pinho to ?accelerate the process? which will see Bruno Fernandes switch to one of the Premier League giants. However, Manchester United are best placed as they are willing to pay the player?s ?70m valuation without hesitation.

Fernandes rose to fame in the Primeira Liga last season as he scored 31 goals in 50 appearances from an attacking midfield role. His exploits in the Portuguese top-flight also gained him the league?s CNID Footballer of the Year award.?He also played a part in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph earlier this month.?

Manchester United are currently involved in talks with Crystal Palace in order to bring right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Old Trafford and will only take a significant step towards Fernandes? pursuit after the Englishman arrives.

However, with Paul Pogba?s future seeming increasingly uncertain, United could have to hurry up in signing the Sporting man as his replacement.?

Tottenham, on the other hand, do not want to get involved in a bidding war with Manchester United and have subsequently ?cooled off? their interest in the midfielder. Star midfielder Christian Eriksen was vocal about his potential exit from Spurs this summer and the club has already lined up his suitable replacements in Real Betis? Giovani Lo Celso and Lyon?s Tanguy Ndombele.?

Champions League winners Liverpool were also initially keen on Bruno Fernandes? situation, however, the club has denied any intention they had to sign the Portuguese after Manchester United stepped up their pursuit.?