Club president reacts to Man United bid for Bruno Fernandes
Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas isn't concerned about Man United's bids for Bruno Fernandes
Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas has dismissed Manchester United’s £49m bid for Portugal international Bruno Fernandes.
The Red Devils were reported to have made an official bid to sign the 24-year-old to bolster Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad after months of speculation.
However, Sporting Lisbon are said to have rejected the advances as the Portuguese club look to keep their prized asset at the club beyond the summer transfer window despite interest from some top European teams.
According to recent reports, Manchester United are likely to have to table a bid closer to £70m before Sporting will consider selling the midfielder.
And Sporting Lisbon president Varandas is adamant that Fernandes’ departure this summer is far from certain despite speculation to the contrary in the British and Portuguese media.
“I don’t know if there are many or if there are few [interested clubs],” Varandas told RTP, as quoted by The Sun.
“What I know, a lot has been spoken of values, coming to the press, €55m, €62m… for that he doesn’t leave, for sure.
“If Bruno Fernandes leaves, players with quality will come. But if Bruno leaves.”
Fernandes scored 18 times and made 32 goals for his team-mates last season to earn interest from a host of Premier League clubs ahead of the new season.
In fact, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with a move to sign Fernandes at some point this summer.
Manchester United have already signed Swansea City midfielder Daniel James and Crystal Palace full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the summer transfer window so far.
The Red Devils will start the new Premier League season with a clash against Chelsea FC.
