Manchester United rejected a £100m offer for Bruno Fernandes from Saudi club Al-Hilal in the summer but a fresh bid for their skipper is expected in the January transfer window.
Saudi clubs are likely to try to tempt Fernandes to leave United in January
Saudi clubs are likely to try to tempt Fernandes to leave United in January
View 2 Images
Manchester United's resolve to keep Bruno Fernandes is set to be tested in January's transfer window.
Clubs from the Saudi Pro League and Europe are on high alert with United struggling and could look to take advantage of the turmoil at the club with a bid for playmaker Fernandes.
Saudi club Al-Hilal tabled a £100million offer for Fernandes in the summer and the Portugal star publicly declared he would leave if United decided the time was right to cash in on him.
But United and Fernandes – under contract until 2027 - both rejected the bid, with the latter insisting he still wanted to continue to play at the highest possible level in major competitions.
Sources have claimed Saudi clubs are likely to try to tempt Fernandes to leave in January, where he could command wages of £700,000-a-week, tax-free – more than double his current salary.
For those top European clubs involved in the Champions League, Fernandes comes with the added attraction of not being cup-tied, given United's failure to qualify for Europe this season.
Despite Fernandes, 31, committing to United over the summer, the season has started badly for Ruben Amorim's side, currently in 14th place in the Premier League, with seven points from 18.
Ruben Amorim
United boss Amorim is persisting in playing Fernandes in midfield, a role that does not play to his strengths
View 2 Images
United also suffered a humiliating EFL Cup exit to League Two Grimsby, while Amorim continues to persist with his controversial decision to play Fernandes in a deeper midfield role.
Fernandes has cut a frustrated figure so far this season, being deployed in a position that requires more defensive obligations and clearly does not play to his attacking strengths and influence.
But Amorim, under pressure after such a poor start to his first full season at United, has given no indication he is willing to change and play Fernandes in a more advanced role, where he is more comfortable and most effective.