Real Madrid are lining up an audacious plan that would restructure their midfield and improve their finances, according to a report in Spain.
It is being claimed by Fichajes that president Florentino Perez wants to sign one of Manchester United's star players at a relative discount, which would then allow him to sell Jude Bellingham for 'astronomical revenue' and fund more purchases during the summer transfer window.
That player is Bruno Fernandes, who could be available for between £35m-£43m at the end of the season, when his contract at Old Trafford will enter its final twelve months.
It's a huge claim from a questionable source, but could there be any truth to it?
Real Madrid Plot Midfield Overhaul
Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe celebrating after Real Madrid score against Barcelona
Fichajes claim Real Madrid want a 'more balanced and lethal squad in attack' by revamping their midfield, and allude to the idea that they want someone in the engine room who can consistently supply Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
That suggestion makes some sense. Although Mbappe hasn't been short of goals this season with 36 in all competitions, he also doesn't have one consistent provider. Arda Gula is Real Madrid's predominant No.10, but he is only 20 years old. Likewise, for all of Mbappe's greatness in front of goal, Vinicius has found the net just five times in La Liga.
Bellingham is an exceptional all-round midfielder, but he's not a pure creator in the same way as Fernandes, who unlocks defences with ranging passes and has eleven assists in all competitions this season. If the idea is to find an out-and-out playmaker with a more proven record than Gula, then Fernandes is a great option.
Whether signing Fernandes, a 31-year-old, therefore justifies selling Bellingham, arguably the most complete midfielder in world football who is nine years the Portuguese's junior, is another question altogether.
It would seem an incredibly short-sighted deal even if, as Fichajes argue, Bellingham's sale (presumably to a Premier League club) would open up spots on the wage bill for important signings in midfield and defence.
Bruno Fernandes' Future in Doubt
bruno fernandes-1
This part of the story does have a lot more truth to it. It remains to be seen what becomes of Fernandes beyond the end of this season, and it wouldn't be a huge shock to see him leave the Red Devils.
Despite being deemed 'underrated' by Tottenham midfielder James Maddison, Fernandes does come with tactical limitations — something which was evident under Ruben Amorim as his lack of physical prowess and defensive awareness became exposed in the former United gaffer's much-maligned 3-4-3 formation.
"I think he's actually probably underrated to many, Bruno. And I know he gets a lot of plaudits anyway, but I think he is kind of underrated for the quality that he shows consistently. Every time he's on the ball, he likes to always look for the longer pass; he looks short, and some players have the ability to see every pass without having to look short, looks long; he can just see it all."
Most managers would deem it better to make the most of Fernandes' strengths than sell him because of his weaknesses, but bearing in mind his age and contract situation, the next United boss may feel it's the right time to take the team in a different direction.
Fernandes' contract expires in 2027 and although United have the option for a further year, a £52m release clause will come into effect after the World Cup. Clubs from Europe and Saudi Arabia are said to be keen, so depending on who the eventual permanent replacement for Amorim is, they could decide not to stand in the Portuguese's way if offers come in.
Real Madrid would represent an exciting challenge for Fernandes, but how legitimate their interest is - and whether it also means they intend on selling Bellingham - still remains to be seen.