Finally, Man Utd 'to Make Bruno Fernandes Transfer Offer'

Manchester United are preparing to finally make their first move to sign Bruno Fernandes, with the player's agent Miguel Pinho expected to present United's offer to Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday.

According to Portuguese publication A Bola , with under two weeks to go until the transfer window closes United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made Fernandes his priority, with the club still in need of a central midfielder.

The likes of Liverpool and Tottenham have also been linked with Fernandes, but it is United who are favourites to clinch the signing before the end of the summer.

The playmaker had an outstanding season for Sporting during the last campaign, scoring 31 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions, and he has also become a permanent fixture in the Portugal starting 11, helping them win the Nations League in June.

Sporting are expected to demand a fee of around £70m for the 24-year-old, who recently starred in the team's 2-2 draw in a pre-season friendly against United's bitter rivals Liverpool.

It is thought United's interest in Fernandes is not related to whether or not Paul Pogba leaves the club, and that they want to sign him regardless of what the future holds for the Frenchman.

Pogba expressed his desire to leave Old Trafford last month , but so far there has been no progression in talks over his departure, despite reported interest from Real Madrid .

United have also been linked with Newcastle central midfielder Sean Longstaff , but are reportedly not willing to pay the asking price of £50m for the player.

It will now be a race against time for them to complete the signing of Fernandes, with the window closing on Thursday August 8, and it remains to be seen if there are any new faces in their starting lineup for their first game of the Premier League season.