Contract talks between Bruno Fernandes and Manchester United are reportedly stalled, with conflicting reports emerging over whether Al-Hilal will make a January move for the captain.
TEAMtalk, citing Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, reports that Al-Hilal are ready to bid €55million (about £46million) for the 32-year-old. The report says Fernandes’ current deal expires next June, although United have an option to extend it by a further year.
However, talkSPORT and Goal have reported that Al-Hilal will not pursue Fernandes in January. Their accounts say the Saudi club have already filled their available places for overseas players. The proposed bid has not been officially confirmed.
United weigh up Fernandes’ contract
Fernandes wants a new long-term contract, according to the report, but United are said to be cautious about committing to one given his age and form this season. The club’s option to extend his existing deal would give them more time to consider his future and avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.
Fernandes turned down an offer from Al-Hilal last year, when the Saudi club were reportedly prepared to pay close to £100million and offer him a substantial rise in wages. He stayed at United, helping the club qualify for the Champions League under Michael Carrick last season.
His form has since come under scrutiny, and he also attracted criticism after publicly questioning Carrick’s tactics following the Champions League defeat by Como.
The reported contract impasse has fuelled speculation about whether Fernandes could leave Old Trafford. Portuguese journalist Pedro Sepulveda recently told talkSPORT that he believes the midfielder’s time at United is “coming to an end”.
Cascarino questions who would meet United’s price
Former Republic of Ireland striker and talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino said a Saudi club may be the only potential buyer willing to pay a fee of around £60million for Fernandes.
“Has he been a great player for Man United? Yes, he has,” Cascarino said, while questioning whether a Premier League club would pay that amount for a 32-year-old on high wages.
For now, United’s contract discussions remain the main issue, while Al-Hilal’s reported interest is disputed. Neither a bid nor a decision by Fernandes to leave has been confirmed.
