Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Gedson Fernandes. The Benfica midfielder has fallen out with his head coach Bruno Lage and representatives of the player are said to be in the UK to fashion a January move.
Sky Sports News report that Fernandes, who has not featured in Benfica’s last seven games, will be offered on a loan deal with a £34million option to buy.
The Portugal international’s release clause is £102m but the club accept they will not receive an offer of that magnitude while Fernandes is out of the side.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken openly of United’s desire to only buy players who fit the club’s philosophy.
The Norwegian is keen to bring in players close to the peak of their careers who are eager to play for the Red Devils.
More pressingly, United are in need of reinforcements in midfield, where they have recently lost players.
Neither Marouane Fellaini nor Ander Herrera have been replaced, leaving Solskjaer with Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic as central midfield options.
The United boss tends to play two No 6s with a more advanced playmaker, usually Jesse Lingard or Andreas Pereira further forward.
Pogba’s long absence this season, due to an ankle injury, has led to Fred and McTominay developing a good relationship in front of the back-four.
Matic has been omitted from the starting XI when possible given has lack of mobility and is expected to be moved on at the end of the season once his contract expires.
Fernandes, who came through the youth ranks at Benfica, has only made 28 Primeira Liga appearances in his career, 14 of which came in conventional central midfield.
He has also been used further forward as a No 10 as well as on either flank but is most comfortable near the centre circle.
As a result, in order to accommodate Pogba in the line up, Solskjaer may switch to a three man midfield with two No 8s, buttressed by a pivot.
Fred or McTominay could perform the No 6 role, as they both have done before, to free up Pogba and Fernandes for attacking duties.
McTominay’s knee ligament damage would most likely see Fred assume that position if Fernandes was to arrive in January.
Fernandes has not scored in 28 league games for Benfica since making his debut last season, but has provided three assists.
Whether the 20-year-old sees a long-term future at Old Trafford will be key to United’s decision to pounce.
Solskjaer said earlier this season: “When you get players in you need the right ones that are going to stay here for a longer period. That’s the long-term thinking we have to show.
“I cannot think: ‘I need a player because this is my reputation.’ No, it’s the club.”
Man Utd line up with Gedson Fernandes
(4-3-3): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, Fernandes, Pogba; James, Martial, Rashford.