Manchester United are finally closing in on a £60million deal for Bruno Fernandes - and he could even leave the Portuguese giants before Friday's derby with Benfica.
Sportsmail revealed last week that United chief Ed Woodward had held talks with Fernandes' agents and Sporting president Frederico Varandas in London.
And a deal for the 25-year-old midfielder has now moved a step closer, with the main terms of the agreement 'already negotiated and understood' according to Portuguse newspaper Record.
The also claim that United will make an official offer this week and that the deal could include out-of-favour defender Marcos Rojo heading back to his old club.
Record believe that Fernandes, who started and scored twice in Saturday's win at Vitoria, remains fully committed to Sporting and is ready to line up in the Lisbon derby against fierce rivals Benfica on Friday night.
However, that could change if negotiations with United are completed quickly, potentially leaving the club without their captain for one of the biggest games of the season.