Bruno Fernandes: Manchester United short of Sporting Lisbon valuation

Manchester United are still short of Sporting Lisbon's valuation of Bruno Fernandes, with talks continuing between the two clubs.

On Thursday the two sides were as much as £10m apart in their valuation with United willing to pay £42m having initially agreed a £55m deal in principle.

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With five days left in the January transfer window, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to strengthen his attacking options, particularly following the injury to Marcus Rashford.

As discussions continue, United are now willing to pay just over £46m.

Amid the transfer speculation, Sporting manager Silas has confirmed Fernandes will feature for the Portuguese side on Monday night against Maritimo.

"He is always very available to work," Silas said.

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"He may be more anxious but I didn't notice. He is very focused on training, in the game, I talk a lot with my players and he is one of the ones who gets more involved in those aspects.

"I think he will play [on Monday] and will play well for sure."

Last week, Sporting were optimistic they had the basis of a deal with United to buy the 25-year old midfielder.

Super-agent Jorge Mendes flew to Manchester with Sporting's president, Frederico Varandas, and his director of football, Hugo Viana, to finalise a move with United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

As negotiations stalled with United changing their stance, Mendes, who has been advising Sporting on transfers since last summer, suggested to Sky Sports News United risked missing out on a deal if they waited much longer.

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The deal is complicated further still by suggestions Fernandes' contract includes a clause whereby his agent, Miguel Pinho, will receive 10 per cent or £4m, if Sporting receive a £42m offer for his player - even if the deal is not concluded.

Fernandes wants to join United, but as it stands he remains a Sporting player and continues to play.

How to follow the January transfer window with Sky Sports

Sky Sports will bring you the very latest news from the January transfer market with the return of three shows.

Start your day with Good Morning Transfers at 9am as our team of reporters bring you the latest news and insight. Transfer Talk then follows at midday delivering analysis of the biggest stories. Then join us at 7pm for the definitive round-up of the day's news with The Transfer Show.

The Transfer Talk podcast is also back with more expert analysis from here and across the continent.

And as well as tuning into Sky Sports News, don't miss a thing with our dedicated Transfer Centre blog.

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