Man Utd forced into Bruno Fernandes talks as Real Madrid and Barcelona eye transfer
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes is a Real Madrid and Barcelona transfer target.
Posted Sunday, December 06, 2020 by Express.co.uk
Manchester United are planning to offer Bruno Fernandes a new contract to ward off transfer interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona, reports say. The 26-year-old has been in electric form ever since moving from Sporting Lisbon in January. And the Red Devils are determined to keep their prized asset happy as they continue to rebuild under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Manchester United were strongly linked with Fernandes in the summer transfer window of 2019 but, ultimately, opted against signing him.
However, they performed a u-turn in January and managed to recruit the 26-year-old in an initial £47m deal.
Fernandes propelled United into the Champions League last term and has been in fine form this season, scoring seven goals and registering 10 assists from 10 Premier League matches so far.
And The Mirror say the Red Devils are planning to offer the 26-year-old a new deal to fend off interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The La Liga giants are both keen on the Portugal international.
But United are hoping that, by doubling the midfielder’s money to £200,000-a-week, they’ll convince him to stay and boost his mood in the process.
Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes is a Real Madrid and Barcelona transfer target
Fernandes is just 11 months into a four-and-a-half-year deal he signed when he moved to Manchester in the New Year.
But United, determined to keep the Portugal international happy, are now planning to take action as they hunt a first Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement seven years ago.
Fernandes currently earns £100,000-a-week, the same as Dean Henderson and Jesse Lingard.
Goalkeeper David De Gea is their best-paid player, with the Spain international pocketing a huge £350,000-a-week at the club.
And, by boosting Fernandes’ salary, he’d be closer to Paul Pogba on the wage scale. The France international takes home £250,000-a-week at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino thinks United have become too reliant on the Portugal international - though hailed the midfielder for his high levels of consistency.
“He has set the bar very high,” he said.
“If we ever talk about a player who hit the ground running, Bruno Fernandes did that with United, he was superb the moment he walked through the door.
“You always have to expect a dip in form, whether it’s a new player or a young player coming into the team.
“Just look at Mason Greenwood and how good he was last season, but he’s found it very tricky this season, but he’s a young lad so we give him a bit of leeway.
“But Bruno Fernandes is an established player, and international, and he has been quality.
“I’ve watched him three or four times this season and I’ve just focussed on him.
“His movement is exceptional, he’s always wanting to try to find a pass and he takes those risky passes on as well.
“Which United have missed, they’re nowhere near as effective when he doesn’t play or he doesn’t do that.
“He’s a top player, and he is a really valuable number ten type of midfielder for Manchester United.
“But it makes a massive difference when he’s not on the pitch.”
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