Manchester United's January transfer window has been very disappointing so far.

With the club languishing fifth in the Premier League and a mammoth 33 points behind Liverpool, United fans would have been expecting incomings.

United have made Sporting's Bruno Fernandes their top target.

But the two clubs are reportedly well off their valuation for the player and talks have stalled.

There is still optimism that United could get a deal over the line.

However, United may have missed their opportunity to sign the Portuguese midfielder.

That's because Barcelona are now reportedly interested in a move for the 25-year-old.

But the deal is a very complicated one.

Barca lost Luis Suarez to a long-term injury earlier this season and have been searching for a striker to replace him.

They appear to have settled on signing Rodrigo from Valencia.

Valencia, however, are reluctant to let their prized asset go.

But that's where Fernandes comes in. Super Deporte broke the news on Tuesday, saying Barcelona are willing to sign Fernandes and immediately send him on loan to Valencia.

Valencia would then be willing to let Rodrigo leave seeing as they have have been handed a world-class midfielder in return.

The idea has also already been approved by Valencia manager, Albert Celades.

The news has since been reported by multiple Spanish outlets, as well as Sky Sports, who confirm that Sporting and Barcelona are in talks over a deal.

What an extraordinary transfer this would be.

While it has been reported that both clubs would be willing for this scenario to take place, it still seems very unlikely that the transfer would happen.

Barcelona would first have to agree a deal with Sporting for Fernandes. He will not come cheap, as Manchester United have already learned.

Barca would have to pay the Portuguese club over €60m, which seems a lot for someone who would be sent out on loan straight away.

Fernandes will also have to agree to a deal. It is unknown whether he would want to join Valencia on loan.

While he would also have the opportunity to join Barca, the Catalan club already have a stacked midfield and he may not even be guaranteed regular football.

So there's a lot of factors in play in this deal. But it would be stunning if it comes to fruition.