Bruno Fernandes has revealed he came very close to a Premier League transfer in the summer — though not to Manchester United.
The Portugal international was regularly linked with United but has revealed in a new interview that it was Tottenham who he very nearly joined.
MEN Sport reported in the summer that United became irritated with incessant reports claiming they were on the verge of signing the Sporting CP player, despite the fact he wasn't a top target and their interest in Fernandes never got further than them admiring the player.
Fernandes stayed in Lisbon, signed a new contract and has scored 12 goals in all competitions this season.
He told Portuguese media outlet Record about the summer transfer saga. "In the summer I thought I could go out," he said. "I believed it was a good time to leave due to many factors. I made the best time of my career to date.
"After the UEFA Nations League, there were already many contacts, especially with Tottenham.
"It was the team that wanted me the most and was the only one I agreed to talk with, because there were other clubs that didn't interest me or whose project was not up to my expectations.
"Tottenham fit into everything I wish I had at that moment. It is an appealing championship.
"Knowing that Tottenham would be willing to pay for me and make every possible effort to take me, leaves a player eager to take that step.
“Regardless, I always kept my word that it was up to Sporting to decide whether or not to leave. Nothing changed my desire to be here and to want to stay here."
Fernandes continues to be linked with a move away, though admitted he remains happy with the Portuguese club.
He added: “Sporting nurtured me, gave me a lot. It was a source of great pride and honour to continue representing Sporting.
“Obviously, the transfer market moves any player, especially when we know which clubs are behind us or want us, but I’ve always tried to stay focused because the image I want to leave at Sporting is that.
