Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes during training at Hong Kong Stadium.
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes during training at Hong Kong Stadium.
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Today at 13:32
Al-Hilal are increasingly confident of landing a deal for Bruno Fernandes after positive talks over the Manchester United captain.
The Saudi Arabia champions have made Bruno, 30, their main summer target and want to wrap up a move before the Fifa Club World Cup starts in a fortnight.
Discussions over a stunning transfer have accelerated in the past few days with Bruno’s agent, Miguel Pinho, holding talks in the Four Seasons hotel in Riyadh which have led to Al-Hilal believing there is a genuine possibility of a deal.
The Saudi Pro League (SPL) winners are looking to make up to three signings this summer and are looking to take advantage of United’s financial problems with a deal that could be worth between £80million to £100m.
United have gone on post-season tour to generate funds - around £7.8m - after another season of making losses. Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe said they would have gone “bust by Christmas” without cost-cutting measures.
Fernandes is giving serious consideration to leaving United after six seasons and at the end of a campaign where he has clearly been their best player. Al-Hilal would offer him a handsome package to switch to the SPL, and are moving quickly to get ready for their summer tournament in America.
He gave no guarantees over his future when asked towards the end of the season about plans for next season. United head coach Ruben Amorim has insisted he wants the player to stay but could also use the incoming money to reshape his squad.
“You can see by his performances. You can see by his leadership. You can see the passion he has for the game. In difficult moments Bruno is the guy who takes responsibility. He should do because he is the captain,” said Amorim.