Manchester United Rumors: Red Devils Already 'Made Contact' To Sign Bruno Fernandes Replacement

Manchester United could be closing in on the transfer of Bruno Fernandes’ successor at Sporting CP.

Despite having been linked to an array of prospects in the January transfer window, Manchester United didn’t make any major changes in its roster.

However, the Red Devils are now rumored to be plotting a double swoop for Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho and Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele.

With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needing a boost in the right-wing, Man United is expected to sign a well-rounded winger in the summer. But as early as now, the club has already “made contact” to Portuguese side Sporting CP to sign Pedro Goncalves, the midfielder who filled the void left by Fernandes, Portuguese outlet Record reported (via The Faithful MUFC).

The 22-year-old has been on Manchester United’s radar for quite some time, and the report states that a bid could commence in the summer transfer window.

But aside from the Red Devils, Liverpool is also ready to make an offer and has already “asked” to lure Goncalvez over the past month.

Sporting CP, meanwhile, is not intending to let go of Goncalvez “unless” a club is willing to match his £53 million ($72 million) release clause.

Some report suggests that Fernandes could be the key to the youngster’s move to Old Trafford as the pair has managed to maintain a good relationship even outside the pitch.

In the previous report, Goncalves’ agent Jorge Pires addressed the issue and insisted that the Primeira Liga side has no plans of dealing its talisman.

"At the moment there is nothing concrete and, even if there were, it would not be the best moment for Pedro Gonçalves and much less for Sporting,” Pires recently told TSF. “There is no interest on our part in this transfer market, nor is Sporting interested in losing the player.”

"Therefore, any business is out of the question,” he added. “We are not concerned with this market. In fact, it doesn't even count for us. He is very happy to play for Sporting and for what he has done. He is living a dream."

Apart from being hailed as the “new Fernandes,” Goncalves is also billed as the “next Cristiano Ronaldo” due to his exceptional form that has helped Sporting maintain the top spot in the Portuguese top-flight.

This season alone, “Pote” has been the go-to-guy of the Portuguese side, having scored 12 goals in 13 league appearances.