Bruno Fernandes wanted by Al-Ittihad in shock transfer

MANCHESTER UNITED captain Bruno Fernandes is being targeted by Al-Ittihad in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

SunSport understand a meeting between the Saudi giants and Fernandes’ camp has already taken place.

Fernandes turned down advances from Al-Hilal in June, but first contact between Al-Ittihad and the player is said to have been positive.

Al-Ittihad are very keen to add the Portugal international to their ranks.

Sources have told SunSport Fernandes, 30, has asked the Saudi Pro League outfit for a contract worth a total of £33million per year.

At the time, Fernandes admitted that he would be willing to leave Old Trafford if the club wanted to cash in.

Fernandes said: "I have always been honest.

"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 the great days.

"In 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.

"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, and football sometimes is like this."

A move to Al-Ittihad would see Fernandes link up with the likes of Karim Benzema, Moussa Diaby and N'Golo Kante.

United have been busy in the transfer market trying to improve the squad for manager Ruben Amorim.

The club have spent over £200MILLION on forwards Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.

The trio all fired blanks in their Premier League opener against Arsenal but did show some promise.

The club does not appear to be done yet, as there is interest in Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba.

The midfielder is viewed as a key target to bolster the club in the middle of the pitch.

However, the Seagulls do not want to lose another one of their stars and value him at over £115MILLION.

This has seen the club cool their interest in the former Lille ace but they could return before the window slams shut on September 1.