Super agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly promised Manchester United target Bruno Fernandes he will make his transfer happen next year.
In a Manchester Evening News column , chief United writer Samuel Luckhurst claims Mendes has "touched base" with the promise of a move in 2020.
United intermediaries are said to have contacted Fernandes directly in their transfer pursuit this summer with his agent "out of his depth" dealing with the interest surrounding his client.
But Mendes, who works with Cristiano Ronaldo , David de Gea and other star names, has already intervened and declared he will give Fernandes his wish to depart for a new challenge.
Tottenham were also linked with a move for Fernandes, who could still head elsewhere in Europe before a Premier League club can act with the window on the continent still open until September.
Fernandes has been vocal regarding his desire to play in England and could well be tempted to wait for his Premier League switch.
Reports in Portugal suggested last week the 24-year-old midfielder was left furious with Sporting Lisbon for turning down a late deadline day bid over concerns regarding the structure of the deal.
Fernandes held meetings with club bosses along with his agent, Miguel Pinho, to discuss a transfer but the result was the club holding firm on their valuation of around £70m before being willing to let him go.
With their valuation not met and United concerned about the fee, he has remained in the Portuguese capital for the time being.
But the presence of shrewd negotiator Mendes at the table as an intermediary could spell a boost for both United and Fernandes when the transfer window reopens in January.
Speaking in pre-season about transfer speculation, Fernandes declared: "I told you before I'd like to play in England, but I don't care about it right now.
"If it could be this season? It could be when the club decides, I'm not in charge."