Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United is edging closer. Yet reports in Portugal claim the Red Devils are unhappy with Sporting Lisbon delaying the transfer from happening before their Primeira Liga showdown with Benfica on Friday.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has personally ordered the signing of Fernandes amid the club’s struggles in the playmaker department.
Jesse Lingard has endured a nightmare campaign, failing to score or assist in the Premier League this season.
Juan Mata has also struggled for form, despite shining in the 4-0 victory over Norwich on Saturday afternoon.
United are hoping to seal the signature of Fernandes in time for Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Liverpool at Anfield.
Yet Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha claim that United are unhappy with Sporting delaying the deal for the 25-year-old.
KEY STORY: How much Man Utd are willing to pay Bruno Fernandes in wages
Solskjaer takes his side to Anfield on Sunday with his side underdogs going into the game.
United are, however, the only club to have stopped Liverpool from winning in the Premier League this season.
The two teams drew 1-1 when they met in October at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford’s goal looked to have given United all three points before Adam Lallana levelled for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Meanwhile, United target Fernandes has been compared to Red Devils legend Bryan Robson by European football expert Andy Brassell.
“Sporting are still hoping to get the thick end of €70m (£60m) for Bruno Fernandes, and I can understand why,” Brassell told talkSPORT.
“He is a player who has been outstanding last season and this; 31 goals from midfield last season and 17 in 21 so far this season, in not a great Sporting team in either situation.
“I will allow myself a little Bryan Robson comparison with the way he charges late into the penalty area, but with greater frequency.
“But the thing is with him is he’s not an all-Portugal product. When he was a teenager he went to Serie A, he played for Novara, he played for Sampdoria and it has made him very, very good tactically and very, very good on the ball.
“I think it’s clear to anyone who watches Manchester United on even a semi-regular basis that where they need to really improve is midfield.”