Thought the Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United deal was dead in the water? Think again.The ongoing transfer saga involving the Sporting midfielder might be about to reach its conclusion, just hours after it was reported that Barcelona wanted to sign him.Super Deporte broke the news earlier on Tuesday that Barça wanted to sign Fernandes before immediately sending him on loan to Valencia. This in turn would allow Rodrigo to move to the Camp Nou.However, The Times say this update came as a “shock” to United, “whose hard-line stance that a €50 million offer represented fair value for the 25-year-old had been based on a belief that no other club would make an offer this month. And that Sporting’s finances were so poor that Frederico Varandas, their president, would eventually accept it.”These are the words of The Times’ well-connected journalist Duncan Castles, who understands that Man Utd have finally improved their offer for the Portugal international.
United were unwilling to budge on their initial valuation, but it seems Barcelona’s reported interest has convinced them to match Sporting’s asking price.
The Red Devils, according to The Times’ report, have subsequently improved their offer to €55 million, plus a further €10 million in bonuses that are ‘highly likely to be triggered’.
United will also pay a further €15 million in clauses that are less likely, including winning the Ballon d’Or.
This news has been confirmed by Portuguese outlet Record, who claim the deal is now ‘practically done’.
Various other UK-based journalists are now reporting the news, too.
A Bola and O Jogo, per Sport Witness, are both reporting that Fernandes will now head to Manchester on Wednesday to complete his transfer.
It appears - although you can understand if fans choose not to believe it until they see him holding the shirt - that Fernandes *is* about to sign for Man Utd.
This will obviously be a major boost for the under-fire Ole Gunnar Solskjaer heading into the final few months of the season.