Al Hilal's failure to land Liverpool's Mohamed Salah is said to be fueling the Saudi Pro League club's desire to sign Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United.
Fernandes was virtually the only player to emerge with any credit from United's horrendous season, registering 19 goals and 20 assists — far more than any of his teammates on both counts.
His status as one of the world's best midfielders, who is currently playing for one of world's most high-profile clubs, makes him an attractive proposition for the Saudi Pro League as it aims to grow its relevance in the global game.
Tranfer guru Fabrizio Romano gave an update on the Fernandes situation on his YouTube channel, saying: “Al Hilal are prepared to pay whatever it takes to Manchester United and whatever it takes to Bruno Fernandes. Al Hilal has been very clear. They want Fernandes.
“They consider Fernandes their top target since Neymar left. They wanted Mo Salah. Salah decided to stay [at Liverpool] and now Bruno has been seen internally as the perfect player for Al Hilal’s project.
"United will have conversations with the agent of the player to understand what can happen next. This week, more contacts are expected on this case.”
United recently concluded a post-season tour, and after the final game against Hong Kong, United manager Ruben Amorim was asked whether the game would be Fernandes' last for the club.
"I don’t think so," Amorim responded. "I don’t know for sure, nobody knows, but I don’t think so. I think he’s seeing us taking some actions to change things and that’s all he asks.
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“I think he wants to stay. He is saying no to a lot of things, but that shows he wants to win. He’s really young, he’s really good, he needs to be in the best league in the world.”
Fernandes, meanwhile, offered to leave United after the Europa League final loss to Tottenham last month if it meant that funds would be raised for a squad rebuild at Old Trafford.
"I have always been honest," Fernandes said. "If the club thinks it's time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it's what it is. Football sometimes is like this.
"I've always said I will be here until the club says to me that it's time to go. I'm eager to do more, to be able to bring the club to the great days.
"The day that the club thinks that I'm too much or it's time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it. But I've always said it and I keep my word in the same way."