Manchester United handed boost in £65m pursuit of Bruno Fernandes as Sporting Lisbon look to raise funds to clear their debt
* Bruno Fernandes was linked with a move to the Premier League all summer
* Both Manchester United and Tottenham were interested in signing Fernandes
* Sporting Lisbon could now sell in order to wipe their mounting club debts
Manchester United could land Bruno Fernandes in January with Sporting Lisbon needing to raise funds to clear debts of around £57million.
Fernandes was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford throughout the summer, and Tottenham were also very keen to do a deal for the Portuguese midfielder.
However, a move to the Premier League didn't materialise but now Sporting are willing to sell for £65million in order to clear their mounting debt, according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo.
Bruno Fernandes was linked with a move to the Premier League throughout the summer
A deal for their star player and captain, who has scored nine goals in 17 club appearances so far this season, would largely wipe out Sporting's debt.
United, who are keen to sign a midfielder to replace Ander Herrera, will face competition from Spurs, who see him as a potential replacement for Christian Eriksen.
The 25-year-old spoke last week about having 'dreams to fulfil', intensifying speculation about a move away.
'I'm well, doing my job and doing the best I can,' Fernandes told reporters.
'I have dreams to fulfil but I have no need to force my departure.'
Fernandes has been on national team duty, scoring the opening goal in Portugal's 2-0 win against Luxembourg on Sunday, which secured their passage to next summer's European Championships.
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