Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Portugal international Bruno Fernandes from Sporting CP in a transfer which could cost up to €80 million subject to a medical, the Premier League club have announced..
Once the deal is completed, Fernandes will become their first signing in the January transfer window.
- ESPN Premier League fantasy: Sign up now!
- VAR in the Premier League: Ultimate guide
- Premier League winter break: All you need to know
Sporting posted that the figures of the deal included an initial €55m payment with a further €25m in variables. Of those, €5m were related to the player's appearances, another €5m subject to United's achievements and a further €15m based on individual awards.
"Manchester United are delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Sporting Clube de Portugal for the transfer of Bruno Fernandes," a United statement read. "The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms."
Sources told ESPN Sporting had offered Fernandes to United at the start of the month in an attempt to ease their financial difficulties, but the two sides encountered difficulties once the 25-year-old had agreed personal terms with the Old Trafford club.
Sources told ESPN United were even prepared to walk away from the deal should Sporting have refused to lower their demands. Barcelona then appeared close to signing Fernandes as part of deal which would see Valencia forward Rodrigo also move to Camp Nou.
However, on Tuesday, United made a breakthrough in negotiations with Sporting for the midfielder.
United monitored the midfielder last summer before deciding against making an offer but injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay, and Sporting's desire to sell the player, have seen the club strike a deal.
Fernandes, ranked the No. 10 attacking midfielder in ESPN FC 100, has scored 13 goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions so far this season.
"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them".
— Sporting Clube de Portugal (@Sporting_CP) January 29, 2020
Obrigado Capitão. Para sempre Leão 🦁 pic.twitter.com/L7JqXs6RbT
He helped Sporting win the Portuguese Cup and the Portuguese League Cup last season and put pen to paper on a new deal with the club in November, but has decided to continue his career in Manchester.
The midfielder is the fourth signing under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire joining United last summer.