Manchester United have reached a deadlock with Sporting Lisbon over the transfer of Bruno Fernandes after his valuation almost reached double in the space of just 48 hours.
Last summer window, Manchester United and other sides including Tottenham were quoted £39m (€45m) for the attacking midfielder.
Two days into the latest negotiations, Sporting’s asking price increased to £68m and as a consequence no further talks are planned for this weekend between the two teams.
According to Sky Sports News, Manchester United feel their latest offer of £43m plus £17m in possible add-ons reflects Fernandes’ form – as the player has 13 goals in 21 matches all competitions for Sporting.
It is likely that talks will resume next week with the Red devils keen to sign Fernandes having identified him as their main target in the January window.
The Portugal international signed a new contract with Sporting in November until 2023, which has given the team a strong position in these negotiations.
Fernandes played in Sporting’s defeat to Benfica on Friday, after which manager Silas conceded he did not know if that was to be the midfielder’s last match for the club.
Reports in Lisbon had claimed the 25-year-old would travel to United this weekend to complete a transfer move but the two teams remain in negotiations over the deal.
Sporting’s next game is a cup-semi final against Braga on Tuesday and Fernandes appeared to say goodbye to supporters as he captained them in the home loss to Benfica.
Personal terms have already been agreed with the Red devils and Fernandes which will see him earn around £120,000.
