Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing one of Manchester United’s key players
Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing a shock move for Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes - in a potential blow to the club’s plans for the coming seasons.
The Spanish giants have had a presence at “every” recent United fixture both home and away as they weigh up a move for the Portugal international. That is according to the Daily Star, who claim Fernandes is viewed as a potential successor to former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric, who is out of contract with Madrid in the summer. He also turns 40 in September and could potentially retire at the end of the season.
Before the international break, Fernandes produced some influential form as he scored a free-kick in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford before netting a hat-trick as United beat Real Sociedad 4-1 in the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 clash to set up a quarter final with Lyon. Fernandes then provided two assists and scored as the Red Devils won 3-0 at Leicester City.
Fernandes “big part” of Man United rebuild
Speaking earlier this month, Fernandes revealed he had an offer to leave United in the summer. He sat down for talks with the club and eventually signed a new contract. He revealed how he was told he was a big part of United’s rebuild.
"I sat with the club because I had an offer to leave," he said. "We talked about the possibility of me leaving the club or staying. They said what they wanted from me. I just asked if they still see me as part of the future of the club or not. I spoke at the time with (Erik) Ten Hag also.
"He was very clear with me, the club was very clear with me, that they thought I would be a big part of this rebuild. I thought that we could be successful."
A move to Real Madrid for Fernandes would put a big hole in United’s midfield and disrupt their plans to rebuild under Ruben Amorim. Speaking about the player, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said recently: "We've got this period of transformation where we move from the past to the future. There are some great players in the squad as we know, the captain is a fabulous footballer. We definitely need Bruno, he's a fantastic footballer."
Amorim could be powerless to stop Bruno Fernandes move
The report from the Daily Star claims that Fernandes, who is under contract until 2027, would cost Madrid £90m. Such a fee presents a conundrum for United, who need to sell players in order to provide Amorim with the funds for his desired targets this summer.
The Red Devils are hoping they can sell the likes of Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia to raise funds with all four players out on loan and with no long-term futures at Old Trafford. However, the United hierarchy may find a £90m proposal hard to resist and make Amorim powerless to stop one of his key players from leaving. Fernandes has 16 goals and 16 assists for the Red Devils this season, topping both of those charts by some distance. No other United player has hit double figures for goals or assists this term.
Speaking about Fernandes, Amorim said last month: "When we need it, he is always there. He can bring the ball forward. He can score goals. He is a perfect captain for our team and we need to help him win titles."
Related topics:Bruno FernandesReal MadridRuben AmorimJim RatcliffeOld Trafford
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