Bruno Fernandes Arrives for Manchester United Medical
Bruno
Fernandes has arrived at Manchester United's training ground for a medical
ahead of his move from Sporting Lisbon.
United
confirmed on Wednesday evening they had reached an agreement to sign the
Portugal international in a deal worth up to £68m.
Fernandes
then flew into Manchester to complete the move and arrived at United's
Carrington training ground to undergo a medical on Thursday morning.
Fernandes
would need to be registered as a Manchester United player by midday on Friday
to be eligible for selection for their game against Wolves on Saturday, United
boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reacted to the announcement of Fernandes' imminent
arrival before they bowed out of the Carabao Cup to Manchester City at the
semi-final stage.
"We are
delighted that we have agreed with Sporting," he told MUTV.
"It has
been good negotiations, we know through history that these are two clubs that
have been good with each other and we have reached an agreement.
"We
just have to get the boy's contract over the line and get the medical done.
Hopefully then we can announce [him]."
United
increased their offer to sign Fernandes twice in the past 24 hours, the second
for a deal worth up to €80m (£67.76m), which Sporting accepted.
After weeks
of negotiations, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward reached an
agreement which will see the club pay an initial fee of €55m (£46.56m) plus
add-ons.
Sporting
would receive a further €10m (£8.46m) from United if Fernandes reaches what are
considered easily achievable targets and an additional €15m (£12.7m) if more
difficult targets are met. It is understood these clauses include Fernandes
winning the Ballon d'Or.
The
25-year-old's future had been the subject of intense speculation throughout the
January transfer window.
Speaking to
Sky Sports on Wednesday, Gary Neville says the new signing will need
time, and does not have too many expectations for his opening months in the
Premier League.
"Man
Utd's midfielder has needed strengthening for some time," he said.
"They've had massive issues, not just in terms of recruiting players but
with injuries to key players - Pogba, McTominay are missing - so it's essential
they do a deal in that area.
"I
thought they would do at least two deals in this window so we'll see what
happens.
A striker is required now with what's happened with Marcus Rashford
but [Fernandes] is a positive. They've got a good-quality player but I've not
got huge expectations in terms of the next few months. In terms of coming to
England and settling, he'll need time."
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