Manchester United open talks to sign Portuguese midfielder

Manchester United have reportedly opened talks with Sporting Lisbon over a £50m move for midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes' form this season has caught the attention of several elite European clubs including Liverpool and Chelsea, who have already watched him in close quarters.

However, according to A Bola, United have made the first approach to pursuit the uprising midfielder as they seek to ward off competition from their Premier League rivals among others.

Fernandes' current deal with Sporting has a release clause of £86m, but the club are prepared to accept a reduced sum of around £50m for his proposed sale in the summer.

Barring Paul Pogba, United have lacked a creative force from the midfield over the course of the current campaign but the same could be resolved with the recruitment of Fernandes.

The 24-year-old has contributed 18 goals and 10 assists across all competitions for Sporting this season. He has more than four years remaining on his existing deal with the club.