United finally get Fernandes deal done with Sporting to receive £46.6m

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

The 25-year-old has 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 £46.6million. The 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 United’s pursuit of 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 told the club’s website, www.manutd. com: “My love of Manchester United really started when I used to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play and ever since then I have been a big fan of this great club.

“For me to now play for Manchester United feels incredible. I have worked hard to get to this moment and I can promise the fans that I will give everything for the badge to help bring us more success and trophies.” Fernandes, pictured, came through the youth ranks at Boavista but established himself in the professional game in Italy. He played for Novara, Udinese and Sampdoria before returning to Portugal with Sporting in 2017. He won the Portuguese

Cup and two League Cups with the Lisbon club, for whom he scored 63 goals and also contributed 52 assists in 137 appearances.

His final fee could rise by a further £12.7million based on appearances and achievements in the long term.

Solskjaer said: “We have been tracking Bruno for many months and everyone here has been tremendously impressed with all his attributes and what he will bring to this team.”