Manchester United may finally lose Bruno Fernandes in the coming weeks, according to reports - with Bayern Munich thought to be preparing an offer for his services.
United have shown a marked improvement upon last season's shocking Premier League form in what was their worst season as a club since the division formed in 1992, and Fernandes has once again been in strong form.
However, despite improving, time is running out for the midfielder to pick up a run of major trophies, and with Bayern being able to offer that to him, it could see the playmaker depart.
Report: Bayern Munich 'Readying' Offer to Sign Bruno Fernandes From Man Utd
bruno fernandes manchester united
The report by Spanish outlet Fichajes states that Fernandes could leave United in the coming transfer windows after becoming a target for the Bundesliga champions.
His future at Old Trafford has already been massively deliberated in the past, with sides from Saudi Arabia having been linked with a move for the playmaker in recent times, and Bayern have held an interest historically.
Fernandes has been a shining light in some particularly bleak years for the Red Devils, though the report believes that he is 'beginning' to seriously consider a change of scenery which would mark one of the biggest moves of the transfer window.
Bruno reportedly believes that his time at the 20-time top-flight winners is 'drawing to a close', and with Bayern consistently winning major honours, that could sway the former Sporting star to the Allianz Arena.
They see Fernandes as an 'immediate leader', and his clutch moments in big games are a real bonus, with Bayern competing at the business end of competitions regularly.
Bayern are preparing a substantial offer of around £86million to land the 31-year-old, and although Fernandes would not force a departure, it's an offer that he would be willing to listen to, with the coming weeks being crucial if Bayern formalise their offer.
Losing Bruno Fernandes Would Not be the End of the World for Man Utd
mason mount man utd
Losing Fernandes would undoubtedly be a huge blow to United, but at 31 years of age, his value is only going to diminish.
As much as fans won't want to hear it, £86million would be an incredible fee for an 'elite' player who is well and truly into his thirties, and that could be reinvested in the squad.
Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha and Amad Diallo could all play in the hole for the time being and that money could be brought in for Fernandes' long-term replacement to continue his stardom at the Theatre of Dreams.