Manchester United are missing out on their number 1 transfer priority Bruno Fernandes this January as Sporting Lisbon are not willing to lower the release clause of the Portuguese midfielder. The Red Devils have been linked with the move for the 25-year-old for a long time now and were confident of landing a deal this month which could have seen the Portuguese move to Old Trafford. But according to recent reports, the transfer is off as the Primera Liga club stay adamant on the asking price of the Portugal national team playmaker. Manchester United 0-2 Burnley, Premier League 2019-20 Result: Chris Wood, Jay Rodriguez Strikes Stun Man United.

According to a report from Goal, Manchester United move for Bruno Fernandes is off as the Lisbon outfit refuse to budge on the €80 million transfer fee. United co-chairman Joel Glazer ruled out the transfer due to his concerns over the asking price for the midfielder. The Portuguese club are adamant over the transfer fee and the record English champions were unable to structure a deal which will suit both parties. United had offered €60.5 million, with €50 million of that guaranteed for the playmaker however, Sporting believed that their captain was worth more than that. While United’s transfer team, including chief negotiator Matt Judge and vice-chairman Ed Woodward, attempted to make a deal, Glazer stepped in and pulled the plug over the transfer.

It was earlier reported that United had agreed on personal terms with the player and his agent but a deal with the club was not finalized and it looks like the 25-year-old will not be moving to Manchester. This is the second player United have missed out in this transfer window, as Erling Haaland – their primary transfer target – decided to join German club Borussia Dortmund in December. The Red Devils are in a desperate need of a striker and it is also reported that they are linked with a loan move with former striker Carlos Tevez.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 24, 2020 08:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).