Manchester United confirm transfer of Portuguese midfielder

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of midfielder Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon on a five-and-a-half contract with the option for another 12 months.

The Red Devils have agreed on an initial £46.6m to land the playmaker and he is expected to make his debut during the weekend's Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers Old Trafford.

"We have been tracking Bruno for many months and everyone here has been tremendously impressed with all his attributes and what he will bring to this team," Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told the club's official website.

United have made just one signing during the current transfer window, but there are in discussions over the possibility of signing a new striker on loan for the rest of the campaign.

The names of Odion Ighalo and Islam Slimani have popped up over the past few days with Solskjaer said to be keen on signing a marksman, who can be aggressive and provide a physical presence upfront.

Manchester United are currently six points behind the top four of the Premier League. They are scheduled to face Wolves at Old Trafford on Saturday evening before the mid-season break begins.