Manchester United are reportedly facing a transfer battle from Premier League rivals Tottenham for Bruno Fernandes.
According to O Jogo, Spurs chiefs have flown to Portugal to enter negotiations over a deal for the player, who has been heavily tipped to make a move to Old Trafford.
The north London club have reportedly lodged a €45m bid which was rejected by Sporting Lisbon, who are demanding at least €65m to part with the free-scoring midfielder.
They are now said to be negotiating with Sporting president Frederico Varandas as they bid to swoop before United can complete a deal for the 24-year-old.
Reports in Portugal have suggested the Red Devils have an agreement in principle to sign Fernandes, but the club are holding off until Sunday to complete the deal.
Fernandes, who left what could be his final home game in tears last week, will feature in the Super Cup against rivals Benfica at the weekend before a move is allowed to take place.
That could give Spurs an opportunity to march to the front of the queue and beat United to his signature.
He is in line to double his wages to around £87.5k per week at Old Trafford, although Spurs could rival that amount as they splash the cash this summer.
They will also be able to offer Fernandes Champions League football, with United instead preparing for life in the Europa League after a disappointing campaign last season.
Fernandes, who scored 31 times in 50 appearances last season, has attracted plenty of interest and previously detailed his desire to play in the Premier League.
But Varandas, with whom Spurs are believed to be negotiating, recently declared they will not let him go for anything below what they perceive to be fair market value.
“What I know, a lot has been spoken of values, coming to the press, €55m, €62m… for that he doesn’t leave, for sure," Varandas declared a couple of weeks ago.
“If Bruno Fernandes leaves, players with quality will come. But if Bruno leaves.”
