Man Utd 'baffled' by fresh Saudi interest in Bruno Fernandes amid reports of £33m-a-year contract offer

Manchester United v Arsenal - Premier League

Manchester United are reportedly "baffled" by the Saudi Pro League's renewed interest in their club captain Bruno Fernandes. Al-Ittihad are poised to make an eye-watering offer for Fernandes, that would see the Portuguese midfielder earn a staggering £33m ($45m) per year in wages if he moves to the Middle East.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Earlier in the summer, Al-Hilal approached Fernandes with a lucrative offer but the United skipper rejected a move to the Middle East at that time as he wanted to fulfil more dreams at Old Trafford. Now, Al-Ittihad have reportedly shown strong interest in the star midfielder and are aiming to sign him before the transfer deadline on September 1.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

According to the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils are "baffled" by the Saudi Pro League's latest interest in Fernandes and have insisted that they don't want to sell the Portugal international, whose current contract runs until 2027.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fernandes has dropped deeper into the midfield in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system this season, playing alongside Casemiro in front of the defence. United are reportedly looking to strengthen their midfield further before the transfer window closes. They were keen on signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton at one point, but decided to end their pursuit after learning Brighton's steep asking price. 

Manchester United v Arsenal - Premier League

WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

After a disappointing loss in their season opener against Arsenal at home, Ruben Amorim's United side will aim to bounce back with a win at Craven Cottage on Sunday as they take on Fulham.