Manchester City are closing in on a deal for Sporting Lisbon attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes and are set to make a move for Benfica youngster Joao Felix.
The MEN understands Fernandes, 24, has been identified as a creative reinforcement amid Ilkay Gundogan's possible departure this summer. City playmaker David Silva's contract ends next year and Fernandes has been identified as an attack-minded option to offset the Spaniard's eventual departure.
Felix, 19, has scored 16 in 30 appearances during a breakthrough season with Benfica and City are keen on the youngster.
Although the Portuguese pair have been linked with a move to Manchester United, it is believed any interest has been sensationalised in certain sections. Last year, United bought Alexis Sanchez and Fred after City considered signing both players, only by the time the deals had been concluded City had ended their pursuits.
City playmaker Bernardo Silva this week lauded national teammate Fernandes. "Bruno [Fernandes] is a great player," Silva said. "He has made a fantastic season with many goals, many assists that are not normal for a player of his position, he has the spearhead numbers and we will see what happens at the end of the season.
"[He is a] player who can play in other championships."
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City are intent on making a midfield summer signing, having missed out on Ajax youngster Frenkie de Jong, who agreed to join Barcelona in a £65.3million deal in January. De Jong will move to the Spanish champions in the summer.
Guardiola's only addition last summer was the £60m Riyad Mahrez, who has underwhelmed in recent months. The MEN reported earlier this week City have decided not to sign a left-back in the close season, despite Benjamin Mendy's fitness and form issues.
United scouts are regulars at Benfica and a number of their players have been linked with United over the years but Victor Lindelof is the only player to have switched from the Lisbon club to Old Trafford. United monitored Javi Garcia, Ezequiel Garay, Nico Gaitan, Renato Sanches and Ederson at various stages but senior club sources became irritated by the baseless links with Gaitan specifically.
Fernandes has attained 11 Portugal caps whereas Felix is still with the Under-21s.
Just how good is Bruno Fernandes? Sporting midfielder linked with Manchester United
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