Tottenham have opened talks with Sporting Lisbon over a deal for Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes, according to Sky Sports news.
One particular source in Portugal claimed that a Tottenham representative met with Sporting officials in Lisbon on Thursday about a deal.
Discussions are understood to still be at an early stage but Fernandes is being explored as a possible alternative to Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, who has been a top target for Mauricio Pochettino this summer window.
Talks have been ongoing with Real Betis over a deal for the Argentinian, who wants a transfer move to Spurs, but the Spanish team want £55m for him.
Pochettino appears to be unsatisfied with transfer business as his club won the Audi Cup this week, suggesting the club should change his job title because he had little or no involvement.
“These types of things; what will happen, what will not happen, selling and buying of players, extending contracts, not extending contracts – I think it is not in my hands,” he said.
“It is in the club’s hands, and Daniel Levy. I am not in charge, I know nothing about the situation of my players. I am only coaching them, trying to get the best from them.”
Meanwhile Manchester United have also been interested in Bruno Fernandes but Sky Sports News claimed last week that he is not a priority target for the red devils and a deal to Old Trafford is very much unlikely.
However, United are reportedly yet to table an official bid for Fernandes and are currently embroiled in a swap deal involving Dybala and Romelu Lukaku
