Sporting Lisbon are reportedly set to pay a sell-on clause to Sampdoria nearly two years after Bruno Fernandes completed his move to Manchester United.
The attacking midfielder joined the Red Devils in January 2020 and it's believed Sporting have owed the player's former club a chunk of the transfer fee.
Fernandes spent a season at Sampdoria before joining the Portuguese giants for a fee in the region of £7.2million in June 2017.
After winning three major honours and scoring 64 goals in all competitions for Sporting, he joined United for a potential £67.7m in January 2020.
Sampdoria are thought to have asked for some of that cash, as per an alleged agreement made between the clubs two-and-a-half years earlier.
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Sporting reportedly rejected the request, insisting the clause lapsed when Fernandes signed a new contract in June 2018.
But, according to Il Secolo XIX via Sampnews24, FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport have ruled in favour of Sampdoria.
It's believed Sporting will need to pay the Italian side €5.5m - around £4.63m - over four instalments, with the first payment due next month.
United's outlay for Fernandes was money well spent, as the team didn't lose another Premier League game all season - jumping from fifth to third.
Fernandes was prolific for the Red Devils, scoring eight goals in 14 league appearances and winning two Player of the Month awards.
He produced another 28 goals in all competitions the following season to inspire United to a second-place Premier League finish and the Europa League final.
Fernandes has struggled, however, since the return of compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo on deadline day, scoring just four goals in all competitions this term.
He was dropped for United's 2-0 win against Villarreal on Tuesday - caretaker manager Michael Carrick's first game in charge - but was introduced in the second half.
Fernandes is hoping to be recalled to the team on Sunday, as the Red Devils take on Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
United are currently eighth in the table after winning just one of their last seven league games.
"I love Bruno, he's a fantastic player and a good person," said Carrick, explaining his decision to bench Fernandes against Villarreal.
"He ran his socks off on Saturday, gave absolutely everything, he's played a lot of games as well. It's a job to pick the team, that's why I'm here.
"It's a job to pick the team, that's why I'm here. That's the team I've picked with but it doesn't mean Bruno isn't important by any stretch.
"I've only been in this job for 48 hours, but there are decisions to be made and a team to be picked, I was spoilt for choice really.
"Five subs is a lot to choose in the Champions League, there will be a lot of players to play a big part tonight. And just because a player is on the bench doesn't mean they're not important."
