Manchester United are primed to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes this summer.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the Old Trafford club have started informal talks with the player and are leading the race for his signature.
They will, however, have to fend off stiff competition from Serie A giants AC Milan if they are to bring the 24-year-old to Old Trafford this summer.
It is thought Fernandes, who signed for Sporting in 2017 after stints at Novara, Udinese and Sampdoria, could favour a return to Italy having played five seasons of football there before moving to Portugal.
It is understood United are in the market for a midfielder this summer and the Portugual international is a player who they are closely monitoring.
Sporting are growing increasingly resigned to the fact they won't be able to keep hold of the player this summer, however will seek hefty remuneration for his sale.
Fernandes's release clause currently stands at £86million, but United will be hopeful they can strike up a deal for significantly less when the window opens.
An attacking midfielder, Fernandes has notched an impressive tally of 27 goals and provided a further 15 assists this term.
