Bruno Fernandes has declared his desire to play in the Premier League as a move to Manchester United draws closer.
Standard Sport understands that United and Sporting made a major breakthrough in negotiations on Tuesday evening, with the midfielder now set to fly to England ahead of a medical at Carrington.
United will pay Sporting €55million (£46.5m) up front, plus €10m in achievable add-ons. A further €15m will be payable based on Fernandes’ personal achievements such as winning the Ballon d’Or.
Fernandes will sign a four-and-a-half year contract with the option of a further 12 months, with United sealing one of their key January targets despite late interest from Barcelona.
The Portugal international was interviewed by Portuguese outlet SIC on Tuesday night. Asked about whether playing in the Premier League was his preference, Fernandes replied: "It always was."
He was a little more non-committal on United specifically; when pressed on whether the Red Devils were the club for him, the midfielder added: "Anything, really."
Standard Sport understands Barca entered the race to sign the 25-year-old late on - even though he would not have played for the Spanish champions this season.
Barca wanted to sign Rodrigo on loan until the end of the season to fill in for the injured Luis Suarez, with Valencia set on securing a transfer fee of around €60 million in a permanent deal.
With no progress being made, Mendes, who has close links to Valencia owner Peter Lim, suggested including Fernandes as part of the deal in an operation which would keep both clubs happy.
However, United then made a breakthrough with Sporting, which left Barca and Valencia back at square one.
