Man Utd 'willing to offer two players in deal for Bruno Fernandes transfer'

Manchester United will include two out-of-favour players in their bid to sign Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon this month.

Fernandes has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, and reports in Portugal claim that Sporting president Frederico Varandas and sporting director Hugo Viana have been discussing the deal with United chiefs.

The 25-year-old - who was strongly linked with Tottenham in the summer - would reportedly be available for around £60million this month.

And now Portuguese outlet DN has claimed that United, who are keen for a smooth process, are even willing to offer two players as part of the package.

It is understood that one of the players on the table is Argentina defender Marcos Rojo, who starred for Lisbon before joining United in 2014.

However, there are concerns that Rojo's salary demands - he currently earns a reported £80,000 a week at United - could supper any return to the Portuguese giants.

Meanwhile, Sporting Lisbon boss Jorge Silas said he was "starting to think of alternatives" amid speculation United are closing in on signing Fernandes.

The Sporting head coach described his captain as "the best player in the league" and admitted it was inevitable he would leave sooner or later.

“He’s a huge player. All players like Bruno always have a lot of market," said Silas.

“We know that he’ll always be a much talked of player and sought by clubs as big as they say.

“I don’t like to think about that beforehand, but I’m starting to think of alternatives within our team if Bruno doesn’t stay with us.

“I hope that doesn’t happen. In Portugal, unfortunately, we can’t keep the best players for long. Bruno is the best player in the league.”