Manchester City to sign Bruno Fernandes ahead of Manchester United?

Manchester City are reportedly looking into a surprise move for Sporting midfielder Bruno Fernandes and they could be willing to pay a club-record fee for his signature.

United have been tipped to land the Portuguese since the beginning of the year but they have failed to find the breakthrough with their £50m package falling short of Sporting's valuation (£68m) for the player.

Amidst this, Correio de Manha claims that Cityzens boss Pep Guardiola is looking to make changes to the squad and the Premier League holders could pay a significant fee to tempt Sporting into a sale.

Sporting are understood to want a sizeable sum upfront for the playmaker but the Mancunian giants are prepared to offer as much as £86m for his services, provided the Lisbon side agree on an instalment package with viable add-ons.

Fernandes has continuously been involved with Sporting since their return from the winter break and he is expected to feature for them in the Portuguese League Cup semi-final against Braga tomorrow.