Fernandes seals £46.6m switch to Old Trafford

Manchester United have completed the signing of Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon.

The Premier League club announced yesterday the 25- year- old had signed a five-and-a-half year contract at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12-month extension, in a deal worth an initial £46.6 million.

The long-anticipated deal was finalised after Fernandes, who has 19 international caps, agreed personal terms and passed a medical.

A deal had reportedly been close a fortnight ago but stalled as the clubs struggled to agree a fee.

It was not until this week that a breakthrough was made in negotiations and by Wednesday United finally reached agreement with Sporting for their top January target.

Fernandes, a goal-scoring attacking midfielder, could go straight into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’s squad for tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Wolves, with Nemanja Matic out through suspension.

Fernandes will bolster midfield ranks at Old Trafford that have been short on numbers since the departures of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini. Injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay this season have further weakened the side in this department.

Fernandes came through the youth ranks at Boavista but first established himself in the professional game in Italy.

He played for Novara, Udinese and Sampdoria before returning to Portugal with Sporting in 2017.

● Newcastle have signed England left-back Danny Rose on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season.

The 29- year-old will be eligible to make his debut in tomorrow’s Premier League game against Norwich at St James’ Park.

Rose has made only five appearances since Jose Mourinho was appointed Spurs manager in November.

Rose told NUFC TV: “It’s a great honour for me to be at one of the biggest clubs in England.”

Bruno Fernandes has joined United from Sporting Lisbon.